Happy Trails at Pemberton Trail Fest

Running and mountain biking enthusiasts will hit Pemberton’s trails at the weekend, as part of the 2020 Pemberton Trail Fest.

For the first time the event will feature a mountain bike race on Saturday, which features 68km, 53km and 21km events.

The festival features three runs, including a 7km night run on Friday, as well as runs on Saturday and Sunday.

Festival director Melina Mellino said the night races were a completely different way to experience the trails.

“It’s a lot more tame than it sounds, because people travel at a slower speed,” she said.

“We put fairy-lights throughout the trails and runners have head torches on and follow reflective markers.

“Night races are awesome and one of the cool things we have is a didgeridoo that is going to be out on course as well, a bit of fun entertainment.”

The Saturday run is over 5km, 10km, 22km and 55km distances, while Sunday’s run will be held at Big Brook Dam, with 5km, 10km and 22km races on offer.

Ms Mellino said the event attracted a wide variety of attendees.

“We do get competitive people who want to be first place, but then we also have so many other people that are just there to experience the trails and a cool run and they get to have chats with a lot of people along the way,” she said.

As well as the races, there will be local stalls and markets at the event village, which is located at the Gloucester Tree.

For more information visit pembytrailfest.com.