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Course Description and Map

Anaconda MINI - Course description and maps

The course for the Anaconda Mini gives you many of the same off road adventures as the full distance Anaconda Adventure Race but in a smaller, sample sized version that’s full of fun.

Mini competitors will swim and paddle in the protected waters of Loutit Bay in front of the Surf Life Saving Club whilst remaining within easy reach of the coast. You will run on spectacular trails through towering timber forests and mountain bike on sweeping single track through the eucalypts that will certainly put a smile on your dial. All in all you’ll have an adventure to remember in a beautiful part of the world without putting yourself too far into the red (zone).

Designed so that just about anyone can be involved with a range of bite sized legs, the Anaconda Mini can be completed by individuals or relay teams of up to 4 doing one leg each.

The details on this website were updated on 23 November 2012 and are the final details for the 2012 event. The 2012 Anaconda Adventure Race at Lorne event program containing all the details on this website plus additional diagrams, maps and sponsor offers can be downloaded from here. (Either left click the link to download or right click and ‘save link as’ to your desktop. 22meg)

Brief course description:

(a more detailed description can be found below the map)

600m Swim

The Mini gets under way with all competitors lined up on the beach full ofexcitement and expectation for adventures ahead.. After a quick dash across the sand you’ll dive head first into a friendly ocean swim in the most protected corner of Loutit Bay right in front of the Lorne Surf Life Saving Club. Swimmers will complete a straight forward out and back swim around a couple of buoys before body surfing a (small) wave back into the beach to the cheers of the spectators standing alongside.

7km Paddle

Hand over to your team mate or find your boat and slide it into the shallows and you’re soon under way with the Ocean Paddle leg.. You may need to negotiate a small shore break (paddle hard!) then keep paddling towards the Lorne Pier and the first turn buoy anchored off the end. Turn left and paddle across the middle of Loutit Bay and marvel at how nice Lorne looks from the water before turning left near the Swing Bridge and you’ll soon be back in front of the Surf Life Saving Club having completed lap #1. Paddle a second lap of the same course and then it’s into the beach for the next transition.

7.7km Trail Run

Team paddlers tag your team mate whilst individuals complete a quick wardrobe change and then you’reoff on foot for a scenic run around the ranges. Runners start on level ground by running along the coast around Point Grey and over a few rocks to the picturesque St George River. You’ll soon be puffing hard as the angle inclines to a steady climb up through the bush before descending down to the QDOS art gallery on Allenvale Road. Head down Otway Street, complete a short wade under the Great Ocean Road Bridge and then it’s a short lap underthe Cypress Trees and you’re back into the transition area on the Lorne Foreshore.

12.7km Mountain Bike

The mountain bike leg starts by winding along a few sealed streets to help gain a bit of altitude before ramping up a notch (or two) with a tough little hill up to the water tanks on a good gravel road. From here the trail generally maintains a steady uphill gradient on a good double track to the 6km point where it starts heading for home with a fun descent down a swooping single track in the bush. Complete the short section of double up (2 way traffic) and then descend on the grassy trails beside the golf course (with million dollar views of the ocean!) and you’ll soon be cruising along the board walks beside the Erskine River and into the transition area at North Lorne.

1.2km Beach Run

All team members reunite (whilst individuals continue solo) for a celebratory 1.2km run down the beach to the finish together. You’ll have grins from ear to ear after your adventures around the course but don’t forget to wave to the crowd and clap a few high fives because you’ll feel like a hero having just completed the Anaconda Mini adventure race at Lorne. Well done.

View Anaconda Mini Lorne in a larger map

Specific information on the course route, operation of the transition areas and other logistical information will be posted to the event website (and included in the event program) 2-3 weeks before the race itself.

Anyone can do it...

Choose your style and get involved - the Anaconda Mini at Lorne can be completed in a range of categories to get anyone and everyone onto the start then over the finish line:

Individuals – do all the legs listed above from start to finish.
Relay teams – enter a team with up to 4 people where you do one (or more) legs each. A great way to get involved if you only do one sport (eg. running) so you can build up a team of friends and work colleagues and join all the fun.

Detailed Courese Description

Race start, Saturday 8th December:

11:00am Individual males, male teams and mixed teams race start – Lorne Beach in front of the Surf Life Saving Club
11:05am Individual female, female only teams race start – Lorne Beach in front of the Surf Life Saving Club

All individual males and male relay teams will start at 11:00am and individual females and female only teams will start at 11:05am. We have chosen to provide a female only start to reduce congestion on the swim and provide a less intimidating start for newcomers to the event.

MINI - 600m Swim

Swimmers start on the beach and run into the water to swim approx. 200m into Loutit Bay before turning left around a large pink buoy. Continue swimming parallel to the beach for another 200m and then turning left around a second buoy and swim back to the shore. Exit the water and run between the two large Anaconda flags on the beach and turn left to run approx. 200m into Transition #1 (T1) in the beach in front of the car park / Surf Life Saving Club.

Swimmers must complete the 200m run component to T1 by themselves and cannot transition with their team mate or receive any assistance until inside the TA.

Transition 1 (T1): Lorne beach. Swim > Paddle

The beach will be divided into number zones. Please store your kayak and all other paddling equipment for T1 in the zone appropriate to your race number.
Boats and paddling gear may be dropped off within T1 from 8:00am on Saturday morning. All paddling and swimming equipment MUST be collected by 3:00pm Saturday afternoon.
Team mates waiting for their team paddler must wait next to their boat – not around the entry to the TA.
ONLY Team swimmers may help a Team paddler launch their boat. All individual paddlers must launch their boat without assistance. No support crews are permitted to help launch boats.
Swimmers may also use the bag transfer service to get your swimming gear moved back to the race administration marquee for you. (Refer notes below)

MINI - 7km Ocean Paddle

Paddlers launch their boat from the Lorne beach, paddling out through the (small) shore-break, keeping the first (swim) buoy on your left. Continue to the Lorne Pier where you turn left around another large pink buoy. Paddle diagonally across Loutit Bay, aiming for a second turn buoy in front of the Lorne Swing Bridge where you again turn left and continue along beside the beach back towards the Surf Life Saving Club to complete one full lap. Turn left around the furthest pink buoy once again to commence the second lap of the same course, out to the pier and then across to the Swing Bridge and back towards the Surf Life Saving Club, only to turn right around the first buoy and paddle into shore. Land your boat on the sand and drag it right up to the top of the beach and then run into the main TA on the grassy foreshore.

Be aware of the buoys marking the course as indicated on the map – it is up to you to make sure you know where to go.
All paddlers must complete 2 full laps of the course.
Support crews may assist paddlers landing their boats on the beach and help drag them out of the way to the top of the beach. (Support crews are encouraged to remove the boats and put them on your car ASAP during the race to create space and prevent possible damage)

Transition 2 (T2): Lorne Foreshore. Paddle > Run #1

Paddlers should take paddle, PFD and other paddling equipment (other than boat) into the TA.
T2 will be open for running gear (and MTB) to be dropped off after 8:00am on Saturday. All paddling and running gear MUST be collected by 3:00pm Saturday.
There will be a designated area for individuals to place your equipment according to your race number.
Team runners must wait for their team paddler in the TA and transition bib and timing chip there – NOT on the beach.

MINI – 7.7km Trail Run

Runners depart the TA to run around the back of the Adventure Expo and out onto the beach towards the Lorne Pier. Continue past the Pier and then around on the rocky / sandy foreshore and into the mouth of the St. George River. Cross the river and go UNDER the Great Ocean Road bridge and continue along the marked course along a mixture of single track and double track uphill and into the bushland. Turn right when you get to Allenvale Road and then follow the arrows, and roads down into Lorne and UNDER the Great Ocean Road Bridge at Erskine River, along the dirt road along the back of Erskine House, in front of the new Lorne Beach Pavilion Café and into the TA on the grassy foreshore.

Watch for cars when on the Lorne streets in the second half of the run and follow the direction of marshals and traffic management. Roads are not closed to cars.
Runners must go under each Great Ocean Road bridge – anyone going over the road / bridge will be disqualified.

Transition 3 (T3): Lorne Foreshore. Run > Mountain Bike

Individuals must set up your mountain bike and running gear next to each other in the designated location according to your race number.
T3 will be open for MTB and running gear to be dropped off after 8:00am on Saturday. All paddling and running gear MUST be collected by 3:00pm Saturday.

MINI - MOUNTAIN BIKE 12.7KM

Riders depart T3 and ride on the gravel road behind Erskine House then turn right at the Great Ocean Road round-a-bout to ride along the road over the Erskine River and then turn left up the (steep) Waverley Avenue. Follow the course markings and directions of marshals through a few Lorne streets and then up the gravel 2WD track beside the Golf Club and along a double track through the bushland under the powerlines. This track will have two way bike traffic on it so please keep left and keep an eye out for oncoming riders. At the top of a large hill, riders turn left and descend on single track before re-joining the outward route under the powerlines but in the opposite direction for a 2km section of double up – all riders must KEEP LEFT. The course separates again at some large water tanks and returning riders descend beside the golf course and along a few streets and eventually Deans Marsh Road. Follow the course markings and marshals to get onto the coastal walking path and ride into T4 on the North Lorne Beach.

Descending riders must give way to climbing riders during the section of double up, and both must KEEP LEFT at all times.
There are a number of additional tracks heading in different directions during the ride leg so keep an eye out for course markings at all times. It is the rider’s responsibility to follow the correct course.
Normal road rules apply and roads are not closed to cars. Riders must follow the marshals’ instructions on the streets and Deans Marsh Road and keep an eye out for cars.
The two sections on the Great Ocean Road are race neutral zones where riders must not pass one another. Take caution and keep an eye out for cars.

Transition 4 (T4): North Lorne. Mountain Bike > Team Run

For teams, team members may meet at this transition area and complete the team run to the finish line together. Waiting team mates must remain outside the fenced off TA enclosure and rendezvous with your team rider outside the fencing
There is no need to transfer the bib or timing band, the team rider should keep them on until the finish line.
All mountain bikes and remaining equipment must be collected by 3:00pm on Saturday upon presentation of your MTB collection token (provided in your registration packs). After this time equipment is left at the owner’s risk.

MINI – 1.2km Team Run

Riders rejoin their team mates (or individuals continue solo) and run along the beach all the way to the finish chute on the Lorne foreshore and across the line

All team members can meet at the final transition point at North Lorne and all team members can complete the entire team run to the finish line within 20m of each other all times.
Team mates can join their team for the final 150m of the run if they wish not to complete the full final team run.
All runners must run along the beach and inter-tidal zone only: NOT on the footpath or on the road.
A photo of your team will be taken as you cross the finish line and we encourage you to wear your event race shirts given to you at registration if you do not have a team uniform. (Finish photos will be available from the race website)

The finish line: located in the Adventure Expo on the Lorne Foreshore – well done, you have just finished the Anaconda MINI!

RACE LEG REQUIREMENTS

For the Anaconda Mini and the Anaconda Adventure Race

The following requirements apply to the various legs of both the Anaconda Mini and the Anaconda Adventure Race and constitute part of the event rules:

SWIM Leg requirements

All swimmers must wear the orange swim caps provided at registration.
Swimmers may use a PFD (life-jacket) and/or snorkel and mask if you are a weak swimmer.
Hand paddles, flippers and other propulsion devices are not permitted.
You are permitted to rest on a rescue craft if required without penalty.
Race bib MUST be worn over your wetsuit and MUST NOT be removed until inside the Transition Area. This applies to teams and individual competitors.

Safety actions in case of an emergency or difficulty on the swim leg:

Raise one arm if assistance is required and call for help. There will be numerous jet skis patrolling the swim leg.
If you hear a continuous siren, horn or whistle exit the water as soon as practicable.

PADDLE Leg requirements

An orange smoke flare is compulsory and must be worn on all paddlers in the Anaconda Adventure Race (must be on the paddler, not on the boat) at all times on the paddle leg. A limited number of flares will be for sale at registration. (Flares are not required for the Mini).
For kayakers using an enclosed cockpit style of craft, spray skirts MUST be worn and fastened prior to leaving the beach.
PFDs MUST be worn by all competitors. The race bib must be worn OVER the PFD.
When paddlers land at the TA at the end of the paddle leg, they must carry their boats to the top of the beach area as directed by marshals. You can receive assistance from team mates or support crews for this.
Paddlers cannot receive any assistance in forward progression by another kayak or vessel during the paddle leg – with the exception of designated water safety vessels.
There will be numerous water safety craft. They can assist you, if required, to get back into your boat (without penalty).
A paddle leg may be altered depending on weather conditions with any changes communicated at the appropriate competitor briefing or on the race notice board.
Helmets (bike helmets are acceptable) MUST be worn on the paddle leg for the Anaconda Adventure Race and Anaconda Mini..

Safety actions in case of an emergency and difficulty for all Paddle legs:

If assistance is required by water safety personnel, raise your paddle and wave it to attract attention and tell other competitors you need assistance and to pass the message on. If you get into trouble at sea, ALWAYS stay with your boat until water safety personnel arrive.
If you hear a continuous siren, horn or whistle exit the water as soon as practicable.

RUN Leg requirements

The course and all intersections will be marked with coloured (pink fluoro) tape and arrows, but you can still get lost if you don’t pay attention. Keep your eye out for trail markers at all times. It is the runner’s responsibility to follow the correct course.
Normal road rules apply at all times and all roads will remain open to cars. Any participant who disobeys road rules is subject to disqualification.
No assistance from team mates or support crews is allowed during the run leg. This includes provision of any food or drink along the course.
The run course is not closed to the public and you may encounter cars, walkers and other users… Please be respectful of other users of the tracks and trails.
It is compulsory for all runners to carry a First Aid Kit comprising 2 x crepe bandages, 6 x wound closure strips, 1 x triangular bandage, 2 x non-stick wound dressing pads and a pair of surgical gloves. These are available for sale at the race registration area for $15.
There will be no drink stations along the run courses.

Safety steps in case of an emergency or difficulty on Run Legs:

If you become injured and require assistance, stop moving and stay where you are. Tell the competitors that pass you to alert the next race marshal and advise them of your location.
If you become lost, backtrack along the trail you followed to return to the marked course.

MTB Leg requirements

The course and all intersections will be marked with coloured (pink fluoro) tape, arrows and witches hats but you can still get lost if you don’t pay attention. Keep your eye out for trail markers at all times. It is the runner’s responsibility to follow the correct course.
Normal road rules apply at all times and all roads will remain open to cars. Any participant who disobeys road rules is subject to disqualification.
The MTB course is not closed to the public and you may encounter cars, walkers and other users… Please be respectful of other users of the tracks and trails.
No assistance from team mates or support crews is allowed during the MTB leg. This includes provision of any food or drink along the course.
It is compulsory for all riders to carry a First Aid Kit comprising 2 x crepe bandages, 6 x wound closure strips, 1 x triangular bandage, 2 x non-stick wound dressing pads and a pair of surgical gloves. These are available for sale at the race registration area for $15.
We recommend that all riders carry spares, including pump, tube, tyre levers, chain breaker, and multi-tool, as well as water or hydration fluid.
All riders must walk bikes through the transition area and helmets must be fastened before exiting the TA.
There will be no drink stations on the MTB courses.

Safety actions in case of an emergency or difficulty on MTB legs:

If you become injured and require assistance, stop moving and stay where you are, tell the competitors that pass you to alert the next race marshal and advise them of your location.
If you become lost: backtrack along the trail you followed to return to the marked course.
If your bike breaks beyond repair, you are entitled to walk/jog your bike over the rest of the course to the transition area.

TEAM RUN requirements

Teams must run together the whole way from the TA to the finish line. Any team who does not complete the final run leg as a FULL team will be listed as an unranked finisher. No exceptions will be made to this rule under any circumstances.

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