What do Rome’s ancient gladiators have in common with modern-day runners on the Sunshine Coast?
Well, not much actually but it’s a good excuse to dress up, drink some coffee and go to battle against other runners on the forest trails of Glass House Mountains.
After last year’s cancellation because of COVID, the second-ever running of The Gladiator trailrunning event is being held this Sunday, May 30.
The off-road event features three distances – an 8km, 15km and 21km – on courses which have been marked through the Beerburrum forestry on undulating dirt trails.
There’s also a 1km kids’ race this year and all children will receive a native seedling to take home and plant.
Run Queensland director Brett Standring said The Gladiator was designed to test the speed of seasoned trail-runners on a ‘fast’ course.
But it was also ‘flat’ enough for newcomers to get a taste of the sport which has exploded in popularity, especially during COVID when people were still allowed to run on forest trails.
“It’s definitely really good for first-time trailrunners who are not used to anything too hilly,” said Mr Standring.
“The course runs along Tibrogargan Creek through native forest and casuarinas so you may even be able to spot a black cockatoo, and there are a couple of creek crossings.”
Wild Horse Mountain lookout features in the distance, with runners having to slog their way to the top of the “Goliath”, as it is known on the day.
Mr Standring said dressing up in Roman costume was not compulsory but it added to the fun.
At the first event, runners wore everything from costume-shop kits to bedsheets, loin clothes and carried swords.
The Gladiator was first held in 2019 to coincide with National Italian Day and was located at what used to be an Italian Cafe named Fresca on Steve Irwin Way at Glass House Mountains.
Entrants ran through the forestry at the back of the cafe’s sprawling property and after the race enjoyed wood-fired pizzas and other Italian goodies.
Since the closure of the cafe, the event has changed location and will be held from a property on Red Road, Beerburrum, with an Italian food truck and coffee van on hand for hungry runners.
Run Queensland’s other upcoming trailrunning events include the Rainbow Beach Trail Festival in August which is almost sold out and Queensland’s most iconic ultramarathon The Blackall 100 (50km & 100km) which is sold out.
The Gladiator will be held on Sunday, May 30, at HQ plantations, Red Road, Beerburrum. You can enter here.
