Race Report: Buffalo Stampede by Mitch Crook

Apr 29, 2024

buffalo stampede - 22-24 March 2024 - bright, vic

contributed by mitch crook, aura member (jandakot, wa)

The Buffalo Stampede 2024 journey all started in early November 2023. Feral Pig 2023 was supposed to be my first 100k race after back-to-back wins in 2021 and 2022. However, the event was cancelled due to extreme weather conditions and bushfires throughout the weekend. This left a bit of an empty hole after not even being able to attempt my first 100k; but it left a strong desire to chase one in the near future.

Planning immediately looked towards next year, looking up the next 100k races and the toughest 100k in Australia. Quickly, I would find a few ultras in late March, including Kunanyi, Collie Trail Fest, Noosa Ultra Trail and Buffalo Stampede. Buffalo immediately caught my eye with over 5k vert, and it is also mentioned as one of the hardest 100k races in Australia. The next move was to see if the event was even remotely accessible, as someone who can't even get a hire car until later in 2024. There managed to be a 17-hour bus journey from Melbourne to Bright that would get me to the start line with a few days spare, but that's all I needed. Fortunately, this journey wouldn't need to be taken in the end. Then an entry and accommodation were booked ASAP, and the plans for late March were set.

This would be the next ultra on the plan and the only actual A race planned for 2024. Training for the race would ultimately kick off on Jan 1, 2024, after a 70.3 and off-season covering December. It started off with a strong start to the year, breaking the FKT for the Wiilman Bilya Trail in Collie, being 86.5km (1600m +/-) in 9:22:59. This was a huge confidence boost and set the tone for the training block, with it being a distance PR and longest run in a year.

The next few weeks would be interrupted and fairly inconsistent with my best friend Ben visiting, camp and a belated EOY holiday to Bali. The block started just before Bali, aiming for 6-100k+ weeks (excluding Bali) before the taper with a focus on vert too. Immediately post-Bali, it was time to lock in, with a 142k week and 7.7k vert. A handy solo trip to the Stirling Ranges really gave it a kick-start and helped with both vert and double days. This was followed up by multiple 130/140k weeks with solid vert in the lead-up, including strong hill sessions, double days (sorry for slowing down the MPTR super-fast group on my double-run Thursdays) and lots of fun time on the feet. A solid showing and training run at Sandman 50 with Jameson Hick gave me reasonable belief for the speed and, ultimately, the training up to that point. The final two weeks of the block would include 200 miles with decent vert. An excellent finish to a strong training block with solid long runs and good training value.

Then, finally, the time came to taper. I’d organised to see my best friend a couple of weeks before the race in rural NSW, making my trip to the race much easier and more fun. So, I would have a couple of days of camp to finish the final training week before flying to Wagga to see Ben. The taper would be super refreshing, exploring Ben's hometown and learning all about Hay. Ben became my training partner for the week while he tried to convince me that my life was becoming the plot of the movie Cars.

‘A big-town racer comes to a small country town, where his best friend shows him what it’s like in the country. He gets his tyres dirty, goes tractor tipping, and teaches him how to drive backwards and turn left to go right. This ultimately makes him a better racer as he prepares for the Piston Cup.’

And so the journey to the Piston Cup began. Plenty of easy runs in the flattest place I’ve ever seen was exactly what I was after. A few new tricks were learnt, such as clay shooting, squash, and river fishing, and some time was also spent on the simulator (Mario Kart). Unfortunately for Ben, all this training made me better than him at all of these, almost. Then, a few days in Wagga on the way through to Bright. I managed to show Ben what a hill was (although he somehow actually kept up) and some more relaxing.

Then into race week and Bright. The first thing on the agenda was to understand the severity of the mountains surrounding Bright and how they differ from Perth. On the drive in, there were plenty of WTFs and wide-eyed moments as I began to see the course. That afternoon would be spent 'running' the first hill and being able to explore the parts of the course that I would run in the dark. It became very apparent the first hill was not for running, and the downhills were even worse after body surfing the final decline of the 10km loop.

Race Day

A 5am alarm gave us time to get ready and shuffle to the start line before the 100k kicked off. A quick word and fistbump between Ben and I sent me to the start line. Nerves and excitement took over as I ran off into the dark and tried to calm down. The first hill was tough as the poles came out early, and the field began hiking up in the dark. Once at the top, it gave a beautiful view over the street-lit town and starry night. Then, straight back into the downhill on the Mystic Park mountain bike trails. The pace picked up as the trails opened up and became runnable, and I found myself at roughly 20th, heading down to the first aid station, Bakers Gully. The crowd was alive, as it was just down the road from the start. Then, straight through the aid station, there was a sharp left turn back up the hills.

The following 6km up to Clearspot would be pretty tough, with an average 23% gradient to the top. The field turned into a train as everyone began slowly hiking up at a relatively steady and even pace. A few people pushing past and taking on the hills at a faster pace. I shared a chat with a few other runners and let the race come to me. Through Clearspot, the view was amazing, and the crowd cheered before the next few downhills and descent through Buckland Valley. To this point, it was roughly 13km with 1200m vert. The next part of the course was mostly downhill and on open fire trail, making it a lot easier to run. A few km of enjoying the view and switching between poles out and poles away kept me entertained as the hills kept rolling. Then finally onto the road as I ran into Buckland Valley and would see Ben for the first time of the day. I felt good; a quick chat and pit stop sent me on my way as Ben tried to do his best Guido impression. Not bad for his first time.

Then, onto the road as I ran up the next hill. It was a gentle gradient, but I made sure to take it slow as I wanted to be conservative throughout the day and walk as much of the hills as possible. A few jokes with runners as we battled the hills before a steady pick-up down the other side of the hill. Soon enough, I was running into Eurobin and would see Ben prepped and ready to go for the next stop. A good chat would make him totally zone out at the aid station, as I had to hand him my drink bottles to switch out before he realised what was going on. Then, on my way again through Eurobin aid station, I had a quick look at the marvellous buffet on selection, to which nothing caught my fancy at that point in the day.

Onto The Big Walk, which I quickly understood the appropriate name. A long climb, which would be 10km with 1100m climbing. This section made me very happy with my investment in poles a couple of months prior. The walk would allow me to catch up on some missed hydration and food as the next 2 hours would be a slow slog uphill. This was mainly spent tailing the 3rd place female as we both powered up the hill. The trail would change a few times as we crossed the road until the rocky section of The Big Walk. This was roughly 4km with plenty of good views of the valley. Still, it was not so easy running as I carefully had to navigate my footing and endless switchbacks. This part became monotonous as the switchbacks and rocks underfoot seemed to never end. Not long after, this section would see a short run along the Ridge before heading up through Chalet. I would see Ben early as he was waiting at the bottom of the steps just before the top. A quick stop in the aid station would allow me to go to the toilet whilst Ben reset my pack. A quick change of hat, buff and some glute bridges would send me off to grab some coke before I left Chalet. With Ben realising he missed his fist bump chasing me out, to which he got a (mostly) empty collapsible cup thrown at him.

The next leg to Cresta Valley would be flat, with slight undulations and stunning views. At this point, I would find my on-course friends for the day. As I ran out of Chalet, another runner stopped to let me pass, which I thought was silly, considering I wasn't running that fast. As I thanked her, we started chatting about how her race was going so far, and she told me that she was part of a relay team from Sydney. From there, we kept chatting for the next 5k about other ultras, training and many more. This was pretty key to keeping my mindset positive, as immediately prior, I had been feeling less than enthusiastic about the run and was mentally tired. Way to go, Kristy!! We both admired the beautiful day and lake as we ran, just before she slowed down and left me to run on my own for the rest of the way. Not too far later, the first team and solo would run past in the opposite direction, at a cracking pace and huge lead. Then onto the road and up the final hills into Cresta Valley before heading down the overgrown ski slopes. Ben was waiting and again ran with me, briefly giving me a few messages once he finally pronounced 'Berg' correctly. A short stop as I asked for my poles and continued on, saving some valuable time on the way to the Horn.

On pace for roughly 14h30m, heading through 49k at 7 hours. The following 7km return journey would be mainly on the dirt road to the Horn with a gentle incline and subsequent return decline. I once again chatted to a few other runners up the hill, using the poles to propel my legs up the hill and, ultimately, something for my arms to play with. Finally, to the rocky section of the Horn, a short rocky traverse to the peak before heading back down. A quick photo at the top before gunning it back down the road. This section was impressive with the views over the fields and good-natured out and back; runners would cheer each other going opposite ways. I ran with another runner for a bit and started chatting once again about how the day was going and how he was feeling. Little did I know, Scott was actually a part of Kristy's team, the Apprentices. A good chat with Scott helped us run through comfortably back to Cresta Valley before Ben met me just before the aid station with my clean collapsible cup, the wish I had been hoping for the last 30 minutes but unable to tell him with no signal, turned out to be such a high.

When we came through the aid station, Kristie was cheering for both Scott and myself, which made both of us turn our heads as neither of us that we were partially connected. Another reasonably quick stop from Guido with my pack allowed me to restock at the aid station and get back out of Cresta Valley. "No way it's 1.30? It's not still morning", as I'd been saying good morning to people for the last 7 hours. A quick change to plans with the poles, confused Ben on the way out but ultimately worked out. The slope out of Cresta was fairly steep. Hence, I would leave with my poles, and Ben would stop at the carpark at the top of the hill, a km on and collect them. A trick that worked for Scott, too. This worked out well and allowed me to see Ben and share a quick chat as he drove along and collected the poles.

From Cresta Valley back to Chalet, it was different to the leg out, as single track through the forest and some open fire trails were incorporated. It was finally music time, and the tunes kept me at a good pace as I continued. I was having an absolute blast!! I was already thinking about late in the race and had a few changes to the plan I wanted to enact. I had a few prior stomach troubles throughout the day with, feeling sick and little bits of vomiting. To ensure I got the best nutrition when I needed it, I decided to switch a few of my nutrition combos around and switch where I got poles, hats, etc. What is the best way to relay this all whilst running? A Snapchat voice message, of course. So, I recorded a few separate ones for Ben, around three minutes total and hoped I would get enough service to send them. After a few checks of the phone every 5 minutes, it finally allowed the messages to be sent and hoped that he would check his phone. In hindsight, sending them on Hinge probably would've got a faster response. Then, with some service, I decided to check some messages from family and friends for extra motivation. Some good messages before a response of 'VAMOS' to let them know how I really felt. I was hyped and ready to attack the end of the race - with like 6 hours to go. I ran a couple of fairly quick kms and let the adrenaline flow. A few messages to Dad to figure out where I sat during the day: 'Position update at Chalet, please'.

Through Chalet, it was pretty quick, with a nice stop and some ginger beer. Then, back down Mt Buffalo towards Eurobin on The Big Walk. A quick toilet stop on the way out before seeing a wombat roughly a km out of Chalet was amazing and a reminder of where I was. A little reminder to calm down and pace myself before a message from Dad came through: '12th male, 1st U21 and 14th overall' and 'Sounds like you're loving it'. I really was, and although it was planned to start getting serious, I wanted to keep having as much fun as possible. Almost immediately after, I sent Dad 'Gap to P10,11?'. It was time to go and get them. I knew I had passed someone at the aid station, so when it came through that 5 and 13 minutes was the gap, I knew my pace at that point in the race was pretty good; I wouldn't be too far away.

A solid run down the hill and triple overtake in 300m meant I was into P10. Dad said, "Ben is loving this", which gave me such joy! No way he was loving this more than me! A controlled and slower run down The Big Walk, as I focused on having fun and nutrition, slowed me down a little. I soon got overtaken a km before Eurobin on the downhills as I attempted to save my legs for Dingo Ridge and the final descent. They were flying and had me on the downhills. I could see the next runner not far behind and knew I had to pick it up. I came into Eurobin 7 seconds behind P10 and his pacer, and there was not much of a gap behind to P11. A quick stop allowed me to give Ben my pack whilst I went to the toilet and got back on the road. Ben let me know that the guys I was with had a speedy stop and were already long gone. Time to go get them.

I figured that if I wanted to get them, I had to catch them on the uphill as they had me on the downhills. I looked up the road and saw a 300m gap to the runner in front. I knew I really had to go up these long, gentle inclines to get ahead. I closed the gap within 700m and was back to level. The work was all set for me to do. I downed some nutrition and went controlled but reasonably hard up the hill. Just before the peak, I had a good lead but had to walk as the salt I had taken wasn't sitting well, resulting in some light projectile vomiting. At the top, I knew it was time to go and really bomb it down. I couldn't let them close it up again. The descent was controlled but at a good pace. I was super happy being close to Buckland Valley and the final stop. I got overtaken not far out of Buckland Valley by a team runner, who had a quick chat and asked, "How you going, Mitch?". This wasn't that uncommon, with names being on Bibs, until he explained that he had been following along all day and was the final member of the Apprentices team. A good chat with Rob lifted the spirits before he ran off into the distance. The final stretch into Buckland Valley allowed me to see that the runner behind was back in sight and was coming strong. Time to really go!

As I came into Buckland Valley, Ben was ready for his final pitstop. A cup of coke and back to the car. I told him it had to be quick, and I couldn't wait around. He was ready to go. I told him to change it all and restock as he took care of it, and I sorted myself out with some glute bridges to turn the glutes back on, switch out my hat, and move my headtorch. Then it was time to go; a final fistbump and telling him, "The race starts now", sent me off quickly up the road.

A message to Ben and Dad soon followed, "Time to Hunt", as I hit the final section, Dingo Ridge and the Clearspot downhill. Dingo Ridge is 6km with 800m vert and then back down over 7km. Some very spicy hills to finish off with. But the tone was set, and I was ready to hunt. I managed to chat with Rob and a couple of other runners struggling with the severity of Dingo Ridge's 40% gradient. I could see a small gap behind me, so I knew it was once again, time to push. Another projectile vomiting master class gave me great concern for how my legs and body would hold up, not being able to hold down the salt and most food. So liquid was the final resort. The hills were brutal and demoralising, but I knew it was just one step at a time, and I could see the gap expanding. To the false peak of Dingo Ridge, I knew there was one final 80m peak to Clearspot. Last one to go.

I powered up the hill and gave it all I could before a gentle cruise into Clearspot. A few swigs of pickle juice helped to that point, but I knew it wouldn't hold. I had to hope the aid station could help with some coke and ginger beer to help the soreness and prevent any cramping that would come. A quick stop with 600ml of coke and 300ml of ginger beer helped before rushing out of the aid station and down the final hill. The poles would help the descent, but it was super steep. I took a moment to look at the view and the fantastic sunset. Just down the descent, Dad sent through "Gap behind - 5 minutes".

I knew that, with their advantage on the downhills, it wasn't much, so I really had to send it and go. I decided it was time to give it all I had. I bombed it down the hill and ran so fast my shoes felt like they were on fire. High-tempo music made it feel like a movie, as I couldn't control my descent. Adrenaline was high. The final few declines were ahead; running down the single track on the edge made it risky, almost slipping a few times. The final drop was in view and was only 2.5km to the finish. I looked behind and had no view of P11; I knew I was home. I got a message from Ben saying "all you now", knowing I really had to go. The last few kms had been run in days prior so I knew exactly what was coming. How good! The final 2.5km felt like a sprint and so quick. It was fairly flat with some minor undulation. Then, into the final decline onto the main street. I was ecstatic!! I was there!! I made sure to give a huge smile and thank you to the vollies traffic controlling before a sprint across the road and onto the grass. Ben was waiting there before the end as I let out a massive yell, COME ON!! A sprint to the finish with Ben gave him a run for his money. Running through the finish chute was pure elation. I had done it! I was so proud!! P10!! I threw my poles just before the finish and let out a massive "COME ON" as I crossed the line. Letting out all the emotion and something I had been thinking of for the last 30km. I'd done it!! 10th overall in 13:27:51. Huge! Much better than the 15 hours I'd planned for and told Ben. What a finish and what a run!!

A ginger beer shared and a long hug with Ben was the cherry on top!! What a race! I was shocked and amazed with myself. A massive shoutout to Ben for being such an amazing support crew; you're doing it again whether you want to or not. A huge thank you to Dad for helping from home during the day and finally Single Track Events for a fantastic event and weekend! Truly incredible! Mount Buffalo ain’t so bad.