By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS
THE gruelling Vertical K SkyRace put runner against cyclist on 29 November when racers took off from Warburton for the second major cycling event in Warburton in two weeks.
Cyclists climbed 1077 metres from their starting point in Warburton to the summit of Mount Donna Buang against runners who climbed 1098 metres.
Sam Maffett, General Manager of Rapid Ascent who bought this event to the Yarra Valley, said the day was a huge success.
“Today was a real test of strength and of character for all competitors,” he said.
“This style of event is not for everyone; you have to be able to really push through the pain barrier.
“In saying that, the course passes through some absolutely stunning rainforest and it was great to seeing competitors spurring each other on and providing support to help others reach the summit.”
While the events bought in runners and cyclists from all over, many locals got involved in the event as well.
Milli Troon from Healesville competed in the running component of the Vertical K and said it was a challenging but rewarding event.
“It was absolutely exhausting but just brilliant, the scenery was wonderful,” she said.
“The fog set in about three quarters of the way up the hill but it made for a magical, mystical setting. It’s so nice to have an event like this in our area.”
Jeff Gill from the Warburton Advancement League was a volunteer on the day and said the event was of benefit to local groups as well.
“It was brilliant,” he said.
“Community groups such as the Advancement League, Redwoods Centre and the CFA supplied volunteers and got up to $80 per volunteer for their organisations.”
