Victoria is home to a number of stand-alone, grassroots trail events, and this weekend sees the running of two absolute crackers. First up, The Berry Long Run (BLR), organised by Joe Lewis and a handful of passionate volunteers, was established in 2014 as a means of raising money for Berry Street. The race is 100% not-for-profit, and contributes to the GOALS project of Berry Street, which "provides support and accommodation for young people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or about to leave out-of-home care."
The BLR course starts at the Mineral Springs in Blackwood and more-or-less follows the official Lerderderg Track. With two course options, a 40km and a 70km, the BLR is not exactly a beginner's race. However, with a relatively gentle 950m and 2000m of elevation gain, respectively, it is approachable for intermediate runners looking to hit the trail or for experienced trail runners looking for a fast hit out.
Date: Saturday, 12 August 2023
Distance/s: 40km and 70km
Course type: Loop with Out and Back sections
Surface: (mostly) hard packed single track walking trail and some fire road
Elevation gain: 950m / 2000m
Start Point: Blackwood Mineral Springs
End Point: Blackwood Mineral Springs
State: Victoria
Organiser: Joe Lewis, Wolfrunners Inc.
Web: https://www.berrylongrun.com/
Instagram: n/a
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/berrylongrun
