FAQS - REFUNDS

REFUND POLICY: What if I want to cancel my entry?

Why would you want to do that? Oh..injured huh? If you want to cancel your entry, you must do so by midnight, 31st OCTOBER, and have notified event organisers before midnight on this date. Contact chris@tourdetrails.com or call 0430 376 621. You will receive your entry fee in refund less a $15 administration fee.

If you withdraw from the event and notify the event organiser AFTER 31 OCTOBER, you will NOT receive a refund under any circumstances. Please do not request - even with a doctors’ certificate - as refusal often offends. Why is this? Well, it’s complex, but essentially a lot of the money that comes in from entry fees has already been spent well prior to race day on things like course logistics, insurance, materials, hiring of infrastructure, staff etc. Trust us, no one’s trying to diddle anyone here – we’re not in outdoor recreation industry to be millionaires, trust us! We’re just trying to not go broke! Feel free to chat to us about the ins and outs – we’re pretty honest peeps.

Can I transfer my entry to a future / next year’s event?

Nope, ‘fraid not. We cannot transfer your entry forward to a future event or next year’s event - for the same reasons as given above. By the allocated date, the dough has already been spent on operational costs. The only time we will enact a transfer to future date is as per COVID policy.

Can I downgrade / upgrade to another distance?

Yep! Just follow this button link below to access you entry registration online and make the require change. Note that there are no refunds for downgrades and upgrades will attract the difference in entry fee.

EDIT REGISTRATION

Can I transfer my entry to another person?

Absolutely! Happy to do this one as it means your entry fee isn’t wasted, our materials and logistics aren’t wasted, and you can do a deal (or not) with whomever you are passing your entry to to recover some of your money!

To enact a transfer to another person we will need you to advise us and supply:

Name of new participant
Gender of new particpant
DOB of new participant
Address of new participant
Mobile number
Emergency contacts (name and mobile)
Medical details (if any)

*please advise if new participant is running in the same distance as originally entered. They can select any distance although there are no refunds for lesser distances, and an increase in distance will be due the difference in entry fee*

FAQS - OTHER STUFF

What are the rules?

Run forwards on the course (although if you run backwards the entire way, we’ll think you are very special, extra so in the dark)
Headtorches are COMPULSORY on person for the entire race. Black Diamond are preferred (but you won’t be disqualified if like Craig Mottram you decide to wear a frog headlamp of unknown branding).
No biting, scratching, punching, kicking, and definitely no tripping, okay?
Don’t litter – this one’s serious. We’ll do all of the above to you if we find you doing that. Seriously, if you drop your gel wrapper, pick the damn thing up – the environment is way more important than your time. We’re tree huggers as well as runners. Don’t mess with this rule. We’ll disqualify your ass if caught.
Be courteous to fellow trail runners (they’re a nice bunch)
Use toilets provided at start line, transition areas and finish line. There are a few public loos along the route, provided for walkers of the Surf Coast Walk – feel free to use them, too. Just not in the bush, okay? We know it’s dark, but some decorum, please…
If you are under the age of 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign an indemnity form at registration. If you are younger than 16 we’ll need to see some proof that you are a gun at these distances.
Please follow the signs along the course. It will be well signposted along the trail. Don’t take any shortcuts.
Keep to the left of the trail to allow faster runners to overtake
Wear your number plate at all times on the outermost garment
YOU MUST tell an official or volunteer marshal if you are pulling out of the event due to injury or feeling unwell so we can notify the timing company and not have to search for you on the course.
If a marshall requests you to do something (okay, within reason – sensible things), please follow their instructions. They are there to help you not hinder, so whatever it is they are asking, there is good reason. Thank them.
Smile. You’re doing this for fun, remember.
Be nice to yourself. You’re a legend for just getting out there.
No whinging if it’s cold and wet. It may be a few days away from the start of Summer, but we all know the seasons have shifted, and you’re in a southern state…it can get cold at any time! Suck it up.
Road runners: whilst this is an ‘easy ‘ trail marathon course, there are short sections of earth that do approach the meaning of ‘incline’. They are but pimples on this home we call earth. Beautiful pimples with great views, usually.
There will be NO kilometer markings – that’s just not cool in trail world.
It is the runner’s responsibility to have previewed the course (there are maps, KML and GPX files to download and a Google Map), and have some understanding of where you are supposed to be running. Not EVERY little trail leading off into the bush will be marked. Know where you are. What do they say? PPPP – Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance. And getting lost.
On the Afterglow course, keep the ocean to your right, never cross the Great Ocean Road, in general head north/east along the coast, and you’ll get there. Torquay is hard to miss, especially on a Saturday night.
The event will take place on Saturday 18 November 2023 in all weather conditions UNLESS it is considered unsafe in extreme weather conditions. The event organiser will notify all participants if the event is considered unsafe and endeavour to reschedule the event to another date. All participants’ entry will be credited towards the new date of the event. Unfortunately refunds can not be made in the event of a cancellation / rescheduling.
In the unlikely situation of the event having to be cancelled outright, the event organiser will endeavor to refund a percentage of your entry fee after all the event costs have been accounted for.
The event organiser has the right to change any of the course or time schedule due to weather conditions.
Any changes to the schedule or format of the event will be updated on the event website, Facebook and emailed to registered participants.
REFUNDS: will only be processed, minus an admin fee of $15, up to and including 31 October 2023. Three weeks before the race. Why no refund after that? Because most of your entry fee has already been spent on logistics, materials, permits (including your headcount) etc on the good faith that you are showing up. No exceptions, sorry people! Yes, still applies, even if injured after that date. We’re happy to transfer your entry to another person though!

When do I receive my race bib?

We will not be posting out bibs and it is your responsibility to attend Registration on:

Saturday 18th November, 1pm-7.30pm, Salty Dog Cafe, 50 The Esplanade, (Fisherman’s Beach – at the Torquay Angling Club), Torquay, at the finish line. If you are lost – drive north east along the Esplanade, passing the Torquay Bowls Club on your left… the Angling Club and rego are to your right just thereafter, in the building down on beachfront on your right.

Will there be a pre event briefing?

Yes there will be a briefing at the start line for each wave and each event. If you require information prior, please see officials at registrations, Torquay, 1pm-7pm.

Do I have to carry any compulsory items?

YES

a headtorch is compulsory. If you forget on race weekend, check out The Happy Runner who have a store in Torquay (Bell Street) or see their stand at rego – they will stock Black Diamond headlamps.
your number plate attached to your outermost garment
your best glow-style. Could be a fluro leg warmers. Glow paint. Could be eighties. Just get it onnnnnn baby.

Otherwise: as the course is signposted and near civilisation, it is not mandatory to carry a first aid kit or space blanket or mobile phone. It is HIGHLY recommended that you carry a water bottle or hydration fuel belt/back pack to keep yourself sufficiently hydrated and with food. We also suggest this from an environmental standpoint, as we are trying to ensure the event is as low impact on the environment as possible. We will have biodegradable paper cups at hydration points, but prefer you to have a bottle / receptacle to refill, saving paper, trees, energy, waste – you want any more guilt, we can go on… just run with a bottle or bladder, okay? Everyone will point at you and laugh and accuse you of being an enviro-terrorist if you don’t. It is up to you if you want to carry a mobile phone or other clothing or first aid kit. PLEASE NOTE THAT AFTERGLOW IS A CUP-FREE EVENT. BYO HYDRATION PACK, FUEL BELT, HANDHELD or SOFT FLASK!

Are trail shoes recommended?

Yes, we highly recommend Brooks Cascadia or Caldera! Okay, so you can wear any brand or indeed type of running shoe – yes a road runner will suffice. The trail is not classed as a technical one, and in fact is groomed most of the way. So yep, road or trail – either way you’ll be good. Did we mention Brooks do a great range of road shoes, too? 😉

Will you have first aid available on the course?

Yes there will be first aid available to you. We will have Endurance Medical Services first aid marshals at the start line, at the half way (Boobs surf beach car park) and at the finish line (Torquay, Fisherman’s beach). We will also have a roving first aider able to get in to most of the course quickly.

What happens if I get injured on the course and unable to finish?

Please notify an event marshal or volunteer so we can get the relevant first aid to you. If you don’t have a mobile phone and you injure yourself, please tell someone on the course to notify the nearest volunteer/event staff so we can organize first aid to you.
We will notify timing and classify your result as DNF – Did Not Finish.
Please make sure you notify event staff if you pull out of the race due to injury or feeling unwell so we don’t waste resources in looking for you on the course.
The Race Director mobile phone will be on the back of the number plate if you are carrying a mobile phone and need medical attention in an emergency.
If you are a runner and you find someone injured on course, ascertain if they need you to stay with them. If they do, wait for the next runner and tell them to keep going on course and notify the first marshall. If they do not need you to stay with them, please run on and notify the first marshall on course.

Am I likely to get lost?

The Afterglow is conducted on the signposted Surf Coast Walk. There will be both Surf Coast Walk markers and dedicated Tour de Trails (red with white arrows) signs and ribbon positioned along the course with sufficient course markings. No, you won’t get lost.

We may even have some glow sticks out there to help guide you a little easier as darkness draws.

Are there water points along the course?

Yes there are water/aid stations stations / water points along the race route:

Jarosite Rd/Trail Corner (5.6km)
Boobs Surf Beach car park (10.5km)
Fisherman’s Beach (16.7km)
Finish, Torquay Fisherman’s Beach (21km)

However, you must carry your own hydration receptacles. To repeat the point: if you want to drink without having to cup your hands or bend backwards to open your gullet beneath the tap…you must carry a water bottle or hydration fuel belt/back pack to keep yourself sufficiently hydrated. We suggest this from an environmental standpoint, and in line with new regulations being brought in by the Surf Coast Shire Council and the Great Ocean Road Coastal Committee. AGAIN (in case you aren’t getting the message)

PLEASE NOTE THAT AFTERGLOW IS A CUP-FREE EVENT. BYO HYDRATION PACK, FUEL BELT, HANDHELD or SOFT FLASK!

What do I get with my entry?

medal
a sense of pride
Fully marked and signposted course
Medical and emergency support
Professional timing and results
A magnificent organised event on the Surf Coast Walking track allowing to experience the natural beauty of the landscape from Point Addis to Torquay.
Water/electrolyte at all aid stations and both water and fruit at the finish line. PLEASE NOTE THAT AFTERGLOW IS A CUP-FREE EVENT. BYO HYDRATION PACK, FUEL BELT, HANDHELD or SOFT FLASK!
Entertainment at the finish line
Eligibility to receive spot prizes at presentations
Toilets
and of course bragging rights if you finish.

Can I transfer my entry to another person?

To enact a transfer to another person we will need you to advise us and supply:

Name of new participant
Gender of new particpant
DOB of new participant
Address of new participant
Mobile number
Emergency contacts (name and mobile)
Medical details (if any)

Can I enter on the day?

Only if there are spaces left. Which we can’t promise (Afterglow’s sister event, the Surf Coast Trail Marathon sold out weeks before the event date)/ Please see event organisers prior to 3pm on race day, at the finish line Salty Dog Cafe, The Esplanade, (Fisherman’s Beach), Torquay, at the finish line.

Are entries limited?

Yes, there is a limit of 500 competitors over the two wave starts for the half marathon and at present a limit of 300 for the 13km. There is no limit for the 5km.

Is there a bag drop off?

You shouldn’t require a bag drop off because all competitors will be parking in Torquay at the finish line and getting the bus to the start line.

If you wish to take a jumper etc to the start line on the bus please take a bag with you, with your name on it and will have an area you can drop you this before you start and we will bring it back to the finish line for you to pick up.

Are there showers at the finish line?

There are no showers at the finish line, but there is a beautiful beach you can go and jump in!!

There are toilet facilities, but no showers.

What happens at the finish line?

Aside from you hollering and hooting across the finish line, backflips and all? Well, we invited Yazz to congratulate each and every competitor, and we’re waiting to hear back. But otherwise, there will be an inflatable arch set up as the finish line. The after race festivities (with or without Yazz) will take place at the finish.

There are plenty of bars and restaurants in the town that you can go and enjoy a good feed and beverage after the presentations have been held.

What are the age categories of the event?

u/20 Grommet
21 – 39
40 – 49
50 – 59
60 +

Volunteers – my friend/family would like to help?

Yes please. There will be volunteer roles as course marshals, support at registration or TA’s. Please call or email Peri Gray peri@tourdetrails.com or 0419 376 594 to register your interest as a volunteer. Of check out the VOLUNTEER PAGE AND sign up on our database where you can choose your volunteer position! You can also go direct to the vollie sign up page HERE.

Are there cut off times?

Yes. There will be a cut off of 3.5hours for the people in the first wave start and 3hrs for the faster second wave start. There will be an overall cut off at 10.30pm at the 3km-to-go mark, which is when all competitors pass the finish line event HQ, but still have the final back section to run (i.e. 3km). If you do not reach this point by 10.30pm, we will shortcut you to the finish line (approx 100 metres away). You will still get to run under the arch, but on teh official results you will be recorded as a DNF. You will still get medal - because hey, you had a crack.

Can I run with my dog or push a pram?

No. This is not Albert Park.

Do I have to cross any rivers or roads?

No, the only section of the course that is bitumen is a short stretch leading up to the car park at Point Addis and there will be course marshal at this section. There are no rivers to cross, nor mountains to climb (beyond your own mental ones). There are a few car park entrances to cross – please do so with care. They will all be marshalled for runner safety.

What about beach sections?

There are two beach sections to run on totaling 2.5km. There will always be plenty of sand to run on, although if tide is higher, the sand will be softer. Beach sections are:

Fisherman’s Beach (2km)
Bells Beach (300m)

How much does it cost to enter?

HALF MARATHON $75-115 (pending when you enter, early bird fees apply) plus online third party fees, GST. Compulsory bus to start line included.
13KM $50-80 plus online third party fees, GST. Compulsory bus to start line included.
5km $30-40 plus online third party fees, GST.

I like ‘stuff’ – can I win ‘stuff’?

Maybe. If you run the course backwards. Or can tell us an amazing story about overcoming some depths of human adversity to now be running the trails. Seriously? You want to win ‘stuff’, huh?

Okay, here at race HQ we have decided that while we appreciate ‘winners’ and their dedication to training and hurting and all that, essentially we are hippies who yearn for a time when the Dream Team was not allowed to compete in the Olympics, it being an amateur field of athletic endeavour back then and all. So in the spirit of rewarding the spirit rather than the bank account or gear cupboard we’ll award trophies of sorts to:

>>21km and 13km winners, male & female

>> Random runners – we fling spot prizes out on no particular basis whatsoever. Randomness is after all part of the beauty of running wild.

Do I have to pay for parking?

No there will be parking available at the finish line in Torquay on the foreshore in the designated parking area/s or alternatively parking is available in the surrounding streets. Please adhere to street parking rules. It is NOT the event manager’s responsibility should you park illegally and recieve a parking fine, no matter your excuse. There are parking officers in Torquay, so we advise to get to the event area with plenty of time to spare, so you can find and secure a legal parking spot that remains so for the duration of the time you will be running.

It is mandatory that all HALF MARATHON and 12km competitors catch the buses provided to the start line from Torquay. There will be minimal parking at Point Addis and the road will be closed from the competitors start, until they duck into the trails.

Can I go to the toilet on course?

Please use the toilets provided and/or located at the transition areas along the course. There are also numerous public toilets located along the Surf Coast Walk, which we encourage you to use to spread the, ahem, load. Please DO NOT go to the toilet in the bush.

Is there any reason the event might be cancelled?

The event will take place on Saturday 18 November 2023 in all weather conditions UNLESS it is considered unsafe in extreme weather conditions. The event organiser will notify all participants if the event is considered unsafe and endeavour to reschedule the event to another date. All participants’ entry will be credited towards the new date of the event. Unfortunately refunds can not be made in the event of a cancellation / rescheduling.
In the unlikely situation of the event having to be cancelled outright, the event organiser will endeavor to refund a percentage of your entry fee after all the event costs have been accounted for.
The event organiser has the right to change any of the course or time schedule due to weather conditions.
Any changes to the schedule or format of the event will be updated on the event website, Facebook and emailed to registered participants.

Will I see a unicorn?

We’ll be honest. Yes. Most likely. But you have to believe. Without belief, there is nothing. Or at least, without hope, there is nothing. Hope like hell. And you’ll see one. Promise. But only on the trail. Rainbows depending on the mood of the particular unicorn.

Should I train?

Preferably. It has been scientifically proven to assist in the completion of a marathon or half marathon. Having said that, there was this one time that we didn’t train at all…oh, actually, no that really, really hurt. Train fool.

What are the start times for each wave?

HALF MARATHON

Wave start 1 – 6.45pm (slower runners – bus leaves Torquay at 6.15pm)
Wave start 2 – 7.45pm (faster runners – bus leave Torquay at 7.15pm)

13KM

8.20pm (one wave, self seeding – bus leaves 8pm)

5KM

8pm (one wave, self seeding)

Are lights/head torches compulsory?

YES! Head a head torch is compulsory for all competitors. We have based the start times on the fact we hope everyone will have to run in the dark. Should you need to buy a headlamp, we recommend the Black Diamond Sprinter or any of the Black Diamond range, available at The Happy Runner, 1/15 Bell Street, Torquay.

How do I get to the event via public transport?

Trains leave from Spencer St and arrive at Geelong. From Geelong there are buses that go to Torquay. V/Line is the company that runs the buses and trains.

Unicorns? Really? You’re pulling our…

Yes. Unicorns. Really. Trail Running Rainbow Unicorns Exist. It says so on the tee. Must be true.

What about love?

Participants should always be kind, courteous and generally chirpy on course. Show some #trailove people. Find your inner glow…

I’m finding the unicorn thing really hard to believe…what if I do see one?

Participants agree that upon the sighting of a unicorn, they will observe from a distance, not approach, and remain respectful that unicorns are wild creatures. Should a unicorn approach you, you may remain still and feel extremely lucky that they have chosen you to connect with. You must have a good vibe.

If a unicorn starts nuzzling your neck, you are THE CHOSEN ONE.