From dusk to dawn, runners will push their limits at the Narrabeen Allnighter on 14 December
Would you run all night? The Narrabeen Allnighter is one of few ultra marathons in Sydney.
Now in its 17th year, runners push their limits from dusk till dawn along the picturesque Narrabeen Lake.
Starting at 6pm from Jamieson Park, Narrabeen, the ultra marathon is organised by Beacon Hill’s Ron Schwebel and Glenn Lockwood. These two runners have turned their love of the sport into a community event that gives ‘fairly serious runners’ the opportunity to run a very long way and support charity at the same time.
Ron, 73 and now semi-retired, started the race in 2009. He is a runner of all distances (from three to 300 kilometres) and has run over 70 marathons and ultra marathons in his life.
“One of the ideas was to give people a chance to set records that weren’t on a normal track. So I wanted to do a 12-hour race and we started running around on the concrete path around the Narrabeen Lake,” he says.
Every year, around 100 driven runners who are willing to challenge their own endurance go above and beyond, running through the night. The race is held on part of the Narrabeen Lake trail and a short section of path along South Creek Road.
“(Usually) this is the only ultra marathon on the Northern Beaches,” Ron comments. “We consider it an ‘entrance level race’ as the tail is flat and easy to navigate. It’s a great event for (someone’s) first ultra marathon, but also a challenge for those who aim for a big distance.
“Runners are never far from their crew helpers and receive great support as they come through the race hub each lap.
“We have a small team of volunteers each year who help with the race day organisation. Most are regular supporters.”
The event offers three categories: a 12-hour ultra marathon, a 12-hour team race, and a marathon. Runners circle a 5.274 kilometre loop, with marathon entrants completing eight laps and ultra marathon participants pushing for their maximum distance over 12 hours.
For Ron and Glenn, the event is more than just a race. It’s also a platform for giving back.
“Each year after the race, Glenn and I split the surplus funds and donate to charities of our choice. These change each year. We do have one charity that we ask entrants to donate to, the Run Beyond Project, to which we donate extra.”
Selected charities include Run Beyond, Destiny Rescue and Aspect Australia.
Last year the duo donated $6,000 to Overcomers Outreach, Destiny Rescue and Cancer Council.
The top three male and female runners in each category receive a trophy. “We have age group trophies as well, typically 10 year age groups from 40 to 50 to 60,” he comments.
Those wishing to enter the race must be sufficiently prepared, the organisers explain. So get your running shoes ready and don’t forget your headlamp! Whether you’re an experienced runner or a curious newcomer, don’t miss out this unique opportunity of joining the Narrabeen Allnighter for a night you won’t forget.
Entries are open until 12 December. For more information about the race and to register, visit narrabeenallnighter.com