How do I get to the start line?
From the CBD, drive along Donnelley Street which becomes Queen Elizabeth Drive, then Handel Street. Continue along this road and it will become Booroolong Road. Stay on Boorolong Road for approximately 5km and turn right into Dumaresq Dam Road, following this road for another 5km. The Duval Dam Buster Trail Run will start and finish in the picnic area which is at the end of Dumaresq Dam Road.
Can I register on the day?
No registrations will be accepted on the day of the event. All competitors must have registered via the online registration process by midnight on the Friday beforehand.
Will parking be available at the start/finish?
Yes, but it will be limited. Due to the upgrade of the Dumaresq Dam Recreation Area in 2023, there is now LESS parking available than prior years. We please request that all participants and spectators arrange to car pool and travel with your mates or family. We will be arranging a free shuttle bus from the UNE carparks and will advise times closer to the event.
Will there be finisher’s medals?
Yes. All finisher’s will receive a medal.
Will there be food and drinks at the start/finish?
Yes. There will be a barbecue stall selling hot food and cold drinks plus a coffee van at the start/finish area at the Dumaresq Dam picnic area. There are also public barbecue facilities available if you wish to cook your own food.
Water will be available.
This will be a ‘cupless’ event so all participants and spectators will need to bring their own drinking vessels. No disposable cups will be provided.
Is there a mandatory gear requirement?
Yes, there are mandatory gear requirements. Click here to find out.
What facilities are at the start/finish area?
The Dumaresq Dam picnic area is a beautiful spot to relax and enjoy the event. Facilities include a children’s play area, barbecue facilities and a small amenities block. Additional portaloos will be available.
How will the course be marked?
All events will be marked with bright orange cones and orange or pink tape arrows and pink flags. Marshals will be stationed at course intersections or where event trails change for events of different distances. Red and white hazard tape will be across ‘no go’ areas. Participants in the 16/32/50k events MUST install the CAPRA mapping app on their mobile phone, and follow the courses on the app if needed.
Is the course suitable for prams?
No. None of the event distances are suitable for prams. There are narrow, single tracks and some rocky areas with boulders and some steps.
Can we camp at Dumaresq Dam?
Yes. The dam now has camping and unpowered motorhome/caravan sites. Camping is free and very limited, and you can stay for up to a maximum of 72 hours. There are 3 caravan sites and 6 designated walk-in campsites with parking nearby. You cannot book so it is on a ‘first in, first served’ basis. Please DO NOT camp in non-designated areas as you will be asked to move on, and you may have set up camp in our DDB event area.
If you miss out, you will need to make alternative arrangements and we suggest the Armidale Showground or the Armidale Tourist Park. There is also camping further out (about 40mins) at Dangars Falls in the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park.
Can I use trekking poles?
Poles are permitted on the 16km, 32km and 50km course, but not in the first and last 3km kilometres of the 16km loop.