Bega’s Kyle Bourke claimed a massive win over the weekend, finishing first in the inaugural Australian Alpine Ascent. 

The organisers, Elite Energy, described the course as "You’ll cross through the scenic Kosciuszko National park, with a stunning start and finish at Charlotte Pass Village.”

“It’s brutal, but it’s beautiful and the courses have been designed to showcase the very best of the Snowy Mountains along the way," they said. 

The 50km race took in two laps of the main range walking track from Charlotte Pass to Mount Kosciuszko.

Bourke led early, but extended his hold on on the run at the halfway mark to win comfortably.

Lisa Lukassen from Merimbula also raced in the 50km event, finishing strongly to take out her age category.

In the 25km event, Tammy Edmonds and Chloe Bourke from Bega, Donella Roberts from Merimbula and Nicole Rowley from Pambula all completed the gruelling run.

The Alpine Ascent was the longest race to date for Chloe.

Club members joked that “true to form, Tammy and Chloe both managed to take lots of scenic photos during the event”.

Tammy said that since the second loop of the 50km was in the reverse direction the competitors “it was great to see Kyle and Lisa heading back out” as they were finishing their loop.

Alpine areas are known for variable weather conditions, and despite having to carry wet weather gear and thermals, on Saturday the competitors faced very hot sunny conditions, adding to the challenge of the steep, rocky course. ​

Meanwhile, in the Blue Mountains on Saturday, Merimbula runner Stephanie Auston was taking out the extremely tough Six Foot Track marathon. 

It is a 45km trail run through some difficult terrain. Club members said she had struggled in the final stages last year, but still came third, while this year she was able to keep pace throughout and finish strongly. 

On Sunday, a number of the Sapphire Coast Runners headed down the highway for the Mallacoota Fun Run with six running the half-marathon, a further four in the 10km, two in the 5km and more in the 3km kids run/walk. 

“The beautiful trails and friendly atmosphere always make this event a great day out,” a spokeswoman said. In other running news, early bird entries have opened online for the Merimbula Fun Run to go ahead in May.