Blackall 100 Preview
The last big event of the year here in Queensland, the Blackall 100 is shaping up as THE most competitive event in Australia this year. We have been fortunate to have short lockdowns and to remain relatively open in Queensland which means all those lining up have had clocked up some great performances tight throughout during the year. There are no less than seven women who will be competitive, and there are several at this event stepping up to the run 100km for the first time. They are an unknown entity over this distance but should not be underestimated.
So who’s in the mix, I’ve listed them here by the fastest time at this event.
Chrissy Redwood (11:17:38 – 2017)
Chrissy took out the win in 2017 on an adjusted course which suited her road running background, Chrissy comes into this event with nothing to prove and happy to be competitive and will run smart, not one to be underestimated.
Jessica Schluter (11:31:42 – 2020)
Reigning champion, National Long Course Trail Champion 2021
Jess has taken out the win here the last two years running, will Jess be the 2nd person to make it a three peat, the other being none other than Shona Stephenson. Jess is also a two time National Trail Long Course Champion, no pressure but she is definitely running well and the one to chase.
Cecilia Mattas (11:45:01 – 2020)
Ultra Trail Australia Champion 2021 (11:35:40)
The Happy runner who always bring joy to those around her on the start line Cecilia is still improving her 4th place at Six Foot Track this year, 1st at UTA, 1st at the Coastal High Crunch see her coming off some great runs and feeling strong. She brings great diversity on the trails which really suits this course.
Hayley Teale (11:56:54 – 2017)
Hayley is another diverse runner, succumbing to injury earlier this year she was unable to defend her win at the Brisbane Trial Ultra 110km in 2021 but a strong run at the Scenic Rim Ultra 65km shows she’s bounced back and in great form. NO stranger to the podium Hayley will be competitive.
Meagan Brown (11:57:44 – 2017)
Buffalo Stampede Ultra Skymarathon Champion (11:21:03)
A regular at this event since its inception Meagan has had a strong build up and some great speed in her training sure to be a winner on the Blackall 100 course which she knows well. Given the strength she would have gained in the Alpine country at Buffalo and the speed that features in her training this could Meagan’s best year yet at this event.
Reesha Lewis
Guzzler 50 Champion, Brisbane Trail Ultra 60 Champion 2021
Since bursting onto the scene emphatically winning the Blackall 50 in 2020, Reesha has dominated over the 50km distance. She steps up to the 100km here, this is a course that will suit her raw speed on the more open runnable sections. Running 100km is mental and Reesha will need to bring her mental game and nail her nutrition to perform well.
Robyn Koszta
Guzzler 100 2021 Champion
Robyn burst onto the ultra trail running scene this year winning The Guzzler 100km, Robyn has an Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) background which gives her the grit and endurance to run well but this event lends itself to those who love to open up the legs and run she is definitely one to watch.
