Last Saturday was the 9th time that Running Wild have held this run. The event is unique being intentionally held to be a night trail run. There are longer events that may have an element of night trail involved, but this one stands alone to be a night run, starting just before sunset. Headlamps or torches are mandatory. Over the years, the event has a reputation for repeatedly attracting fog, rain and on occasions lightning. 

Narrowneck itself is a fire-trail located to the west of Katoomba, on a peninsula which divides the Jamison Valley from the Megalong Valley. Running Wild. Race registration is in Katoomba, and competitors are bussed to the start line.

And it just happened to be raining on the way up.

Jack Wedgwood has given us a few words on his experiences:

"At 6:00 we hopped on the shuttle bus which was a very bumpy trail ride to the start line. Narrowneck was finally clear of rain and was ready for trail runners to experience the amazing views along the way and the challenging hills as well.
The race started at 7:00 so I had a pre-race snack and was ready to go. The race director called all to the start line and with few other words said: “Ready, Set, Go” and we were on our way. From the start I ran with Nathan and Dad which was good at first but then Dad told me to run off after he saw the first sharp hill and for the next 9km I did just that. While I was running I was talking to other runners about the views and beautiful landscapes and it was truly amazing. Nathan stuck with me and at half way we were under the 2 hour mark. From the turnaround, I ran the first sharp hill with Nathan but then I went off with my head torch into darkness for the next 10km. It was quiet and I was focused on finishing the race and before I knew it there was 1 km to go and only one more hill. When I reached the finished line I was elated and very happy with my time 1:51:49 (under two hours). I was now very hungry and headed without hesitation to Snax on Trax for bread and tomato soup and finished it very quickly. As time went by Dad, Nathan, Vic, Joan and Sam all finished in all good times. 
In conclusion Narrowneck is a very good trail run and a very good experience with amazing views along the way. 
Regards Jack"

And from Nathan Mudie:

"The Narrowneck night run was a really beautiful and a one of a kind trail run with that finish in the night. It is quite a difficult course and was a challenge and while running it still provides good views, and a good soup is provided at the end. It was a hard 20km and an amazing run and I would recommend it to most runners. A truly unique and great experience even the day after when I could barely walk a straight line. It was also good to get back into the trail running scene with a group of good people.
Regards Nathan"

There are two distances, 20k and 14k. Jack, Nathan, Mark and Sam all ran the 20k. Joan and Vic completed the 14k. The night concludes with the bus shuttle back to Katoomba. And it rained during the drive home.

Congratulations to all, especially the boys. Jack and Nathan would have been the youngest in the field, being 15 and 16 respectively. 

Results:
20k
Jack Wedgwood    1:51:49
Mark Wedgwood    1:55:50
Nathan Mudie        2:03:45
Sam Mudie        2:56:31 (pb)

14k
Vic Anderson        2:05:09
Joan Eisenhuth        2:16:36