Tasmania’s west coast is set to host its first major skyrunning event next weekend, with top international athletes heading to Queenstown for the inaugural DIVERGE Skyruns from May 1 to 3.
The three-day event will see runners tackle the ridge lines of Mt Owen and Mt Lyell, along with surrounding trails and the Queenstown Airfield, across eight different running and hiking events.
Close to 650 people have registered so far, with around 30% coming from interstate or overseas, with Canadian athlete Emma Cook-Clarke and an entire team from South Korea travelling to Tasmania specifically for the race.
Cook-Clarke, a 32-year-old Arc’teryx athlete, arrives fresh off a record-breaking performance at the Routeburn Classic in New Zealand, where she smashed a long-standing course record by more than seven minutes in heavy rain, snow and strong winds.
“I have no idea what to expect and that is the most intriguing way to enter a race. This race feels wild,” she said.
“To have the opportunity to race in a unique place, full of history and natural wonder, is a chance I feel very honoured to have.”
“The only thing I know for certain, is that I have no idea what I’m getting into.”
Trail Ventures, the company behind Hobart’s Kunanyi Mountain Run, is delivering the event, which is presented by Arc’teryx.
Trail Ventures director Lincoln Quilliam said excitement has spread through the Australian skyrunning and trail running communities since the event was first spoken about.
“The west coast mountains and trails are absolutely epic and this will be a world class skyrunning, trail running experience,” Quilliam said.
“We’re really stoked to be partnering with the west coast community and the council and to have the support of the Tasmanian Government, to make DIVERGE Skyruns a reality.”
Sam Denmead, acting CEO of West by North West Regional Tourism, said the event is a chance to put the region on the map.
“The rugged terrain, raw landscapes and sense of remoteness create an experience that simply can’t be replicated anywhere else,” Denmead said.
“Regional events like this do more than showcase a place, they bring visitors into our communities, support local businesses and demonstrate the value of investing in unique, place-based experiences.”
Limited spots remain in several events, including the Lynchford Express 5km, where participants ride the heritage West Coast Wilderness Railway steam train before running back to Queenstown.
Organiser said the event is expected to bring more than 1,000 visitors to the area and inject more than $1.2 million into the Tasmanian economy.
