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The Forestry Tasmania Ben Lomond Descent will be hotly contested on the cool lower slopes of Tasmania’s main ski fields on Sunday, 1st August.
The Ben Lomond Descent is a multi-discipline event with an emphasis on fun and participation.
Event organiser Claye Mace says entries are looking good with the likes of Dan Hall (Australian Team Wildwater kayaker) Ben Mather (Tasmanian cross country champion cyclist) and Tom Goddard (junior cross-country runner) entered in the individual category.
“There’s more interest from corporate and college teams who are keen to enjoy the competition and challenge of the event as well as promoting physical fitness and having fun in the local environment,” he said.
Around 100 competitors are expected to line up for the iconic Tasmanian event this year to participate in a variety of disciplines over the 36km course.
The race begins with a 16km mountain bike leg followed by an 11km paddle and finishes with a 9km run around the Blessington area.
The multi sport event will starts at 10am at the North Esk Memorial Hall and will finish with a presentation ceremony and barbecue back at the Hall, Blessington.
“After last year’s deluge, we're hoping for sunny conditions on race day.
“There’s always a chill in the air around Ben Lomond but competitors will hardly notice it once the blood starts pumping and the adrenalin flowing!
“Recent rain has lifted river levels to an ideal level but has created a mud bog on some sections of the ride and the runners will definitely be in for some soggy socks.”
He said a coffee van would be stationed at the hall all day for warming refreshments for participants and supporters alike.
Blessington Hall has full facilities.
The Ben Lomond Descent is sponsored through the Community Assist program again this year.
The program is a joint venture between Forestry Tasmania and Southern Cross television, which provides sponsorship to assist individuals and organisations that provide benefits to their local communities.
Camping will be available at the North Esk Memorial Hall, Blessington on the Saturday night prior to the event.
For more information visit the Ben Lomond Descent web page at www.tamar.canoe.org.au
