THERE’S something magical in the air when the only sound you can hear in the middle of the bush is the repetitiveness of your own footsteps. The crunch of leaves, the whistle of breeze, and distant calls of crickets and insects can, for some, be incredibly daunting – especially when you’re out there all alone. But for others, solo trail runs over great distances are a way of life. And recently, two Aussie women smashed their attempts at a fastest known time (FKT) on Australian trails.
The trick to attempting an FKT is knowing that not every route is FKT qualified. Routes must be notable and distinct enough so that other people will be interested in repeating them.
Several other factors must also be taken into account, including distance and style (unsupported, self-supported and supported).
In April this year, long-standing AURA (Australian Ultra Runners Association) member Isobel Ross, from Boronia, Victoria, and her partner, Ron Tait, created