After a two year hiatus due to covid19, the much loved Carcoar Cup Running Festival finally returns on the weekend of 12th/13th of November, thanks to the support of DTE Endurance.
The Carcoar Cup Running Festival is a grand annual challenge on the Australian running calendar. Usually held in the first weekend of November in the historic Central West NSW town of Carcoar, the Carcoar Cup is a fantastic weekend for both runners and family. The Carcoar Cup was conceived by Andrew Baulch to bring runners & visitors from all over Australia & overseas to showcase the beauty of Carcoar and the surrounding region. In total, over 3500 people each year make the trek to Carcoar and it’s a much needed tourist boost with the town and its surrounding neighbours buzzing across the entire week. Local restaurants, farms and businesses getting a much needed tourism boost!
“The Carcoar Cup is run over a course which has been described as one of the toughest and most beautiful in Australia. This is the ultimate family running weekend, with events for all abilities and ages. For a small regional event the Carcoar Cup prize money is huge – $13,000 – but this is the ultimate family event, with adults tackling the longer events and the children their own special Carcoar race,” said Andrew Baulch.
But bringing the 10th edition back in 2022 has not been smooth sailing. Like many organisers, the stress of trying to operate major events during covid19 put a big strain on the financial and operational ability to deliver the event. Andrew Baulch was convinced that the event would have to end.
“ It was quite distressing. We have taken great honour in starting this event from scratch and making it an annual ‘must do’ for some many, not just in Australia but from overseas; all wanting to come and get a slice of an ‘authentic’ Australian town. However, fortunately I began talking to James Matthews and his team from DTE Endurance who offered to come in and support the event by providing marketing, promotion, event planning and logistics. James’s enthusiasm in particular gave me the drive to want to continue the event” said Andrew.
After a number of conversations, James Matthews and DTE Endurance committed to coming in and supporting the event through a joint partnership.
“ This is such an iconic event and an important one for regional tourism. There are not a lot of ‘untouched’ towns like Carcoar left so I think we all have an obligation to do what we can to drive visitation and keep these towns thriving. From the first step you make to the area you are transported to the late 1800’s. Then on race weekend you have this exciting and unique event format which takes in amazingly beautiful scenery and historic gold rush sites. The course is quite punishing but that’s what makes getting back to the town for the post event celebrations extra special- and the whole town literally puts on a party- food, wine and live country music! There was no way we were going to let this event, which Andrew has done an amazing job with, simple be forgotten. We had to get involved!”
There are so many other activities organised around Carcoar over the weekend including exhibitions, displays and stalls. And with so many other attractions available around the region, why not make a weekend – or even an extended holiday – out of your time at the Carcoar Cup this year?
The event continues on the Saturday 11 and Sunday 12th of November and tickets are selling out fast so do not miss out on your opportunity. https://www.carcoarcup.com.au/
