As if an 80 kilometre trek across the iconic Overland Track wasn’t a big enough task already, competitors also braved snake sightings and knee-deep mud at Saturday’s 36th annual Cradle Mountain Run.
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With entries again selling out in under ten minutes, the race bore its full quota of 60 participants and saw Victorian Damian Smith cross the line first in a time of nine hours and 11 minutes, with Tasmania's John Schuringa finishing five minutes back to claim second.
Hobart's Emma Flittner was the first woman home, finishing in nine hours and 35 minutes.
Race director Phil Beeston said while all athletes participating pushed themselves to the limits on the day, plenty took a minute or two along the way to snap some photos on their phones.
“There's only so far your body can take you and that's usually the first two thirds of a run like this if you're lucky and the rest is all mental,” Mr Beeston said.
“But certainly you're very distracted by the amazing landscape and scenery when you're running through the national park down the Overland there.”
Apart from a food station at the 60 kilometre mark, runners are required to carry all of their own supplies including food, water and safety gear.
“There's plenty of spots to collect water along the track whether that be in the creeks or at the huts along the way, but typically most people would carry a litre or two of water in their packs.
“Some people might even have a small cup in their pocket that they scoop some water out of creeks as they go past as well.”