OVERVIEW
Robert de Castella Cross Country Running Track
Stromlo Forest was where 'Deek' and many other Australian and International running greats did much of their training through the 1980's and 1990's. In 2003, the entire forest was destroyed in the bushfires that also claimed the lives of four Canberrans. Deek was one of the 500 families who lost everything in those fires and was a key member on the ACT Government's Bushfire Recovery Taskforce.
Stromlo Forest Park was one of his ideas; to not just replace what had been lost, but to make it better and to leave a legacy for future generations. Stromlo Forest Park has already become Australia's best and most sought after dedicated off road running and cycling venues.
After the 2003 bushfires, he worked with the ACT Government on the Recovery Task Force, and was integral in the initial idea, and the development of a dedicated Cross Country running facility at Stromlo Forest Park facility. The world class facility is now established and he continues to be committed to ensuring that it is utilised by the ACT community and all local, national and international runners.
The dedicated grass cross-country circuit at Stromlo Forest Park is a beautifully manicured 2.5k loop that has been turfed with a fine leafed grass of some variety. No prickles and is as good as any golf course fairway, according to Deek. It provides a complete base for runners with loops leading off to the arboretum and around Lake Burley Griffin.
For information email info@stromloforestpark.com.au or call 02 6256 6700
Stromlo Forest Park is a shared public facility with designated trails for bike riders, runners, walkers and equestrians. Trails are clearly marked and colour coded and there are specific rules for their use.
