21.1 km (Half Marathon)

MALDON TO CASTLEMAINE

An exciting half marathon through some of Central Victoria’s finest countryside. From dense woodland to open paddocks following the route of the historic Goldfields Steam Train on well made fire trails and paths.

An undulating (but net downhill!) course that takes you point to point from Maldon to Castlemaine alongside the picturesque Victorian Goldfields Railway trail. This is not your typical half marathon. It is an adventure within itself.

The course sets off from the quaint Maldon station (1) and heads out along Hornsby Street (2), crossing the Bendigo-Maldon road and making its way down to the edge of the peaceful Muckleford Nature Reserve (keep your eyes peeled for wallabies and wild flowers!) and the start of the railway track. This section of the run is gently downhill and gives the chance to get into a great rhythm early on. You will then turn right and continue on the Tatt Town track (3) as the course climbs gently through vast woodland.

A left-hand turn into Smiths Reef Track (4) precedes a short, sharp uphill pinch, followed by a welcome 4 km descent as you head out of the bushland and into the wide open farmland areas of Muckleford, via the Gowar Track (5) and finally re-joining the Railway Track (6). This continues to the midway point at Muckleford Station (7). This is the lowest part of the course, with an altitude of 276m above sea level. Toilets and water are available here as you get set for the back half of your run.

Now the course takes you through delightful open paddocks with expansive views, the railway line never far out of sight, and begins to climb again gently through more open woodland. A switchback takes you around a deep gully with views of the Sawmill Road rail bridge (8), the start of the last section of the course and the penultimate climb. You will turn left onto the railway track once again for a short few hundred metres, then cross the tracks to the left and head up through the centre track and the lovely Walmer Forest (Reptiles are often seen sunning themselves on the centre track. Keep your eyes open!). Once you crest the top of the final climb up the centre track, you will turn right and commence the fastest finish Castlemaine offers.

Turning right and setting foot on the bitumen for the first time, the run will head down Muckleford Castlemaine Road and then Mary Street (turn your head to the right and you will see Dhelkaya Health. The very reason we do this run!) into the back of the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens, over the bridge to cross the creek, then our super course marshall’s will guide you to turn right, and head for the southern gates of the Gardens.

After crossing Walker Street, it is all eyes for Camp Reserve, and the finish line is only 1 km away! A fast, flat finish down the wide road of Gingell Street. You will enter the northern gates of Camp Reserve, before looping around onto the oval and heading for a finishing shoot where you can soak in your achievements and be cheered on by family and friends.

NOTE — CURRENT GPX FILE HERE WILL BE UPDATED SOON