Margaret River Ultra Entries Open
Entries for the popular Margaret River Ultra Marathon 2025 will open at 9:00am WST today, Monday 14 October 2024, and are expected to reach capacity within days, even hours.
Confidently regarded as one of Australia’s most in-demand races, the eighth edition of the event will take place on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th May 2025 in south-west Western Australia.
Events include the 80km ultra marathon for solo runners and relay teams of 2 to 5 members covering 10-20km each; whilst the 42km trail marathon introduced in 2024 is limited to solo runners only.
The Margaret River Ultra Marathon has a very respectable reputation as a premier point-to-point ultra race, consistently reaching its entrant capacity. Last year the 80km race sold-out within a record breaking 27 hours of opening entries; and organisers Rapid Ascent expect a similar trend for 2025.
“We have been blown away by the high demand on entries over recent years,” said Sam Maffett, Rapid Ascent’s General Manager. “We feel overwhelmingly honoured to have created such an event; the enthusiasm and joy, camaraderie and spectacular scenery on course are no doubt all part of the allure,”
“To see people from all walks of life come together to conquer and achieve their ultra marathon goals is truly inspiring!” added Maffett.
The 80km point-to-point ultra course will be held on the Saturday and offers magnificent trail running with competitors starting at Hamelin Bay and heading north along the Cape-to-Cape coastline, passing through the breathtaking scenery of Boranup, Redgate and Gracetown. Runners then head inland to the finish line at Howard Park Winery in Wilyabrup.
The 42km trail marathon on the Sunday provides another race option for runners, as well as being a stepping stone to those aspiring to run the popular 80km solo one day. The marathon course will see participants starting at Yallingup Beach and heading south along the spectacular Cape to Cape track to the same finish line at Howard Park Winery.
The unique landscape will keep runners buzzing from start to finish, as the courses wind their way through tall karri tree forests, coastal trails, beaches and bluffs with sweeping views across the magical Margaret River region.
With its challenging yet stunning course options the event has become a favourite among ultra runners including 2023 and 2024 reigning champion Jayme Bergman of Esperance WA who is set to return for a three-peat.
“I love this race; it’s just so hard, but so rewarding!” said Bergman.
42km inaugural winner Kate Baker was absolutely delighted with her win last year at the event;
“The course is equally tough and fantastic; I’m usually a road runner so it’s nice to find these new trails,” said Baker. “I couldn’t do this sort of race without my family who sacrifice a lot so I can achieve my dreams.”
Others refer to the course as “The postcard of running events!” (Mia, past participant); and as the “Best weekend of the year with its’ breathtaking scenery, incredible camaraderie and sense of accomplishment!” (Matt, past participant)
Rapid Ascent have a self-imposed entry limit, with new measures applied for 2025 offering 400 places in the 80km race for solo runners along with 250 relay teams; and 400 solo entries in the 42km race. Organisers are urging interested competitors to register early to avoid missing out.
“The field limits are in place to provide a better balance between solos and teams, and will help us provide a better event experience for everyone,” said Maffett.
“No matter if you’re part of a team, an accomplished ultra runner or first timer, it really is an incredible experience for everyone involved and we can’t wait to welcome competitors and supporters to the 2025 event,” said Maffett.
Competitors will finish with a celebratory beverage at the official event venue, Howard Park Wines.
A 2km Kids Run will also be held on Sunday morning prior to official presentations in the same location.
Entries open at 9am WST on Monday 14 October and expected to reach capacity within 24 hours! Further event information can be found on the Margaret River Ultra Marathon website www.MRUltramarathon.com.au orwww.facebook.com/RapidAscentUltraRunningEvents
EVENT DETAILS:
When: 10 – 11 May 2025
Where: Margaret River, South-West Western Australia
What: An 80-kilometre ultra-marathon and NEW 42km marathon:
- 80km or 42km individual entry
- 80km Relay team of 2-5 runners doing one (or more) legs each
80km Ultra – Leg Breakdown
- Start: Hamelin Bay
- Leg 1: 11.5km Hamelin Bay to Boranup Campsite
- Leg 2: 14.5km Boranup Campsite to Contos Campground. Total: 26km
- Leg 3: 20km Contos Campground to Riflebutts Reserve, Total: 46km
- Leg 4: 18km Riflebutts Reserve to Gracetown. Total: 64km
- Leg 5: 13.7km Gracetown to Howard Park Wines. Total: 77.7km
- Finish: Howard Park Wines
42km Trail Marathon:
- Start: on the beach at Yallingup
- Finish: Howard Park Wines
EVENT WEBSITE:
www.MRUltramarathon.com.au