The trail was originally cut in 1884 starting from the Historic "Marked Tree" at Katoomba to the Jenolan Caves, a distance of 45 km. The course is described as, "varying from narrow, rocky track near the start in Nellies Glen, to meadows, sandy gravel track, and dirt fire-trail road - of course with a number of hills (big and small) and rivers (big and small)."
It is the amazing Blue Mountains scenery and the difficult terrain that have attracted runners from around the world. From seven runners in 1984, to the full quota of 850 today, this race has become internationally renowned and even attracts Olympic athletes for the challenge.
So how hard is the run? Most of the runners take a bit over five hours to complete the hilly 45k. The tailenders struggle to get under the seven hour cut-off. The race record for the men is 3hrs 15min which is an outstanding time for a 45km trail run of this difficulty.
Regardless of how long it takes they all say the same things: "This race is amazing! The course scenery, the camaraderie of the runners, and the challenge of taking on one of the toughest events around make this a great endurance event."
The Six Foot Track is this weekend in Katoomba. The race also raises funds for the NSW Rural Fire Service Brigades in the Blue Mountains.
Jeremy Dover is a former sports scientist and pastor
Jeremy Dover's previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/jeremy-dover.html