Event Overview
The Hounslow Classic is a running weekend based at Allview Escape in Blackheath, New South Wales, held from 11–13 September 2026. The program includes the Hounslow Marathon (43km) on Saturday 12 September and the Hounslow 17k on Sunday 13 September. The courses explore the Blackheath area and the Grose Valley Wilderness, including cliff-top sections and the Grand Canyon loop, with the marathon adding an out-and-back via Perrys Lookdown, Lockleys Pylon and the Pinnacles.
What the Course Demands
Both races involve sustained climbing and descending and are described by the organiser as steep and technical in places. The marathon lists 2500m ascent/descent and combines a Grand Canyon loop with a longer out-and-back into the Grose Wilderness, which can make pacing and fatigue management critical over a long day. The 17k (900m ascent/descent) concentrates that difficulty into a shorter duration, with repeated changes in gradient and terrain.
Who This Event Suits Best
This event suits runners who are comfortable with prolonged elevation change and technical footing, and who prefer courses where navigation focus and controlled effort matter. The 17k can work for athletes moving from shorter trail races into more demanding climbs, while the 43km marathon is better suited to experienced trail runners prepared for a long, highly variable course profile and a late cut-off.
