The Hume + Hovell Ultra Marathon has been running across the Riverina since 2012. Photo: Hume & Hovell Ultra.
Tumut is known for its natural beauty and Antarctic-like weather.
Sitting in the heart of the Snowy Valley, the small town has built a reputation for having a close community. But, something the town has been slowly building in the background is its passion for running.
This year, the running group, fittingly called the Tumut Trotters, has taken the reins of the Hume + Hovel Ultra Marathon, an event that attracts runners from across the world. It was originally established by Wagga Road Runners president Peter Fitzpatrick, who served as the event director from 2012-2024.
Now, the Tumut Trotters are excited to show off the beauty of the region and the close-knit community that lives in it.
One of the organisers for the event and a member of the Tumut Trotters, Mags Lovatt, said the event would cater for people of all abilities, with the primary focus of the event being to support participants.
“The Hume + Hovell is actually one of NSW’s original ultra marathons,” Mrs Lovatt said.
“Up until this year, it was run by Peter Fitzpatrick and the Wagga Road Runners, but this year we’re giving it a go for the first time.
“The event starts and finishes at Henry Angel Trackhead, some 9 km south of Tumbarumba on the Tooma Road. People tend to camp on the ground days before the event.
“This year the marathon will begin on Saturday, 11th October, with 22 km, 50 km and 100 km events all being held.
“Then on the Sunday, we will have a kids race starting at 9 am with presentations for the results of the previous day.”
Ms Lovatt said the event was all about camaraderie and supporting fellow runners, becoming one in which people from as far as Japan came to take part in.
“It can take the full 24 hours for people to finish the 100 km,” she said.
“It is a huge event that the entire community gets behind. Businesses are open later, and families come to support their runners, whether that be just encouragement or to give them drinks and electrolytes. It creates a buzz across the town.
“It’s all about supporting each other as well. Obviously, not everyone is going to tackle the full 100 kilometres. I remember last year, there was a woman who just finished the 100 km and she was super supportive of people who only ran 5 km, but because that was a personal best for them, it was something to celebrate.
“That’s the kind of thing we hold the event for.”
Six-year-old Remy Richards is looking forward to running in the event.
“Trail runners are the best runners in the world!” claimed the young running enthusiast.
“Everyone should run the marathon.”
Mrs Lovatt said details for the event would soon become available, with sign-ups and schedules to be released over the next month.
She is encouraging people interested in the event to start training now and visit the event’s website.
“There are requirements you’ve got to meet to be able to sign up for the 100 km, but for the 50 and the 22 km, anyone can participate,” she said.
“We encourage people to check out the Facebook page where we will update people with information once it’s available.”
The Hume + Hovell Ultra Marathon will be held on 11 October, with the kids race and presentation being held on 12 October. Be sure to check out the Hume + Hovell Ultra Marathon Facebook page and register on its website.
