PRESENTED BY
The original Lilo Derby poster artwork from 2016. Interesting story behind how these transpired… ask the RD.
A lilo derby?
As part of a trail running festival?
That's weird.
Well, yes it is, but we like to keep things a little weird anyway, though this is actually a Dash 'n Derby' as there is a trail run involved. Plus there's a river running through Warburton (the Yarra) and being just off the back of summer, there's a chance it could be warm / hot /sweltering.
Plus there's form: liloing / rubber tubing down the Yarra River at Warburton is an area tradition. Summer holiday makers have been doing it for decades. Race Director (Chris) also grew up in Warburton and logged hundreds of hours in the rubber tube seat to gain his lilo pilot license. He's now the convenor of the Australian Association of Lilo Pilots, and is particularly adept at navigating the eddies and whirlpools of the Warburton stretch of the Yarra.
Such is the history of lilo river running at Warburton that the town was actually the host of the world's first ever lilo derby, way back in 2006! We produced the first Warburton Lilo River Derby to raise money for a Bhutanese refugee's education – he's doing fine now, thanks for asking, relocated to the United States and employed, self sufficient :) Check out the original poster and art sketches for that first event to the right!
HOW DOES ENTRY WORK?
There are three ways that you can enter the Lilo Dash 'n Derby;
as a stand alone event on its own.
as a single event along with other Trail Fest events you enter on the weekend.
or if you are doing the Multiday Madness you are automatically entered in the Lilo Dash 'n Derby.
HOW DOES THE ACTUAL RACE WORK?
You buy a lilo or similar suitable flotation device (BYO or you can hire a river sled via Warburton Adventure Co).
We suggest specific river sleds or surf lilos as the best option. (they are short with rubber handles up front and have a V-shaped pointy nose for going faster and tend to have a tougher canvas or heavy plastic skin).
You bring your running shoes and a helmet – bike helmet is fine, or a river helmet if you have access to one (i.e. canoeing helmet).
You turn up to the start with your helmet (mandatory) and shoes (mandatory) and lilo. Fancy dress encouraged. Any theme. Yes you run with your helmet.
You RUN 1.5km leaving from the football oval carrying your lilo (so don’t make the mistake as per one particular adventure racer did and use a full blow up canoe!).
You arrive at the lilo put-in at the Warburton Caravan Park.
You then lilo 1.5km back to the football oval.
You exit river left, and run up to the finish line.
You will then officially be a lilo pilot.
VERY IMPORTANT NOTES:
Shoes and helmet are mandatory. No shoes and helmet, no entering the water – this is a very strict rule!
Children under 12 must have a supervising adult accompany them down the river (entry must also be paid for adult).
Wetsuits, PFDs, elbow and knee pads are NOT mandatory, but the safety conscious may like to have them.
Fancy dress is NOT mandatory but VERY STRONGLY encouraged and spot prizes for best dressed will be given.
Take care when walking in the water (you will need to at various times) – be observant for holes and places where you can twist your ankle or get caught.
Drinking alcohol and liloing is strictly prohibited. Anyone caught drinking and floating will be barred from the course.
HIRE YOUR LILO (RIVER SLED) THROUGH OUR PRESENTING PARTNERS
AND LOCAL ADVENTURE EXPERTS WARBURTON ADVENTURE CO.
PLUS