Highland Fling marathon set for weekend

The third annual VAUDE Highland Fling marathon on November 11 will draw 1,300 racers from all of Australia's states and territories as well as New Zealand, Hong Kong, South Africa and the United Kingdom to the village of Bundanoon in the Southern Highlands of North South West.

Entrants will choose between the Full Fling (110km) and the Half Fling (55km) with a few riders doing the 100 mile fling (161km). About one quarter of the course is on purpose built singletrack and less than two kilometers is on sealed roads.

Winning times for the Full Fling are expected to be around 4.5 hours while the slowest riders will likely take 10 hours. AUS$8,000 are up for grabs with $1,000 going to the men's and women's champions. 2006 men's winner Shaun Lewis and women's winner Katrin Van der Spiegel will be pushed hard to retain their titles. Dennis Van Mil will also be looking to defend his 100 mile honours.

"Recent rains have settled the dust, dampened down any sand and put good water into the creek crossings," said director Huw Kingston.

The 2007 event is the first Australian cycling event to go carbon neutral. Besides the main racing action, a fundraising dash and a kids' race will be held. For more information, visit www.wildhorizons.com.au/highlandfling.