23-26 NOVEMBER 2023 – GRAMPIANS, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA: The GPT100 promised a challenging yet rewarding adventure. The race kicked off with a midday start at Mount Zero and before it all began, John Kelly delivered a beautiful Welcome To Country, filling me with calmness and gratitude for my body and the stunning Grampians.
The weather set the tone with moody clouds, and as the race started, rain poured down. I embraced it, relishing the feeling of freedom and vitality that running in the rain brings, especially in the embrace of nature.
The First 50km
The first 50km to Halls Gap were characterisedtrack led us through familiar terrain, thanks to my earlier participation in the GPT100 training camp. However, a sudden slip on wet rocks sent a jolt of pain through my lower back, reminding me to be cautious. The rain made all surfaces slippery, and I had to tread carefully. Despite those challenges, running along the spine of the range, with waterfalls flowing due to heavy rain, felt exhilarating. Around 30km, I caught up with the leading female, Kellie Emmerson, and running together, we shared stories about running and life.
