Margaret River Ultra Marathon returns in May
Entries opened today for The Margaret River Ultra Marathon which will return to the south west coast of Western Australia on 4th May 2019. Featuring 80 kilometres of magnificent trail running through one of Australia’s most beautiful regions, many runners will be confirming their entries now to avoid missing out in what is expected to be another huge running event.
The inaugural event in 2018 attracted a phenomenal 700 runners from across Australia and has already cemented itself as one of the countries most popular, and spectacular ultra marathons. Runners have the option of tackling the entire 80km course as a solo runner or as part of a relay team of up to 5 people running between 10km and 20km each, making it achievable for runners of all ability levels, from elites through to trail running newcomers.
The 80km course starts at Hamelin Bay in the south and finishes at the Cheeky Monkey Brewery and Cidery at Wilyabrup in the north, passing through popular locations such as the Boranup Forest, Gnarabup, Preverly, Gracetown and a whole range of breathtaking landscapes along the Cape to Cape track in between.
Runners get to run through huge Karri tree forests, along cliff top trails providing endless coastal views, over huge granite domes and rock slabs, along crisp white sandy beaches and through some of the vineyards that make the region so popular for visitors.
Champion Ultra runner Kellie Emmerson from Melbourne was part of the winning mixed relay team at the inaugural event in May this year.
“It was amazing, it was just beautiful out there, and I’ll definitely be back to run it again next year. An event like this – it’s the perfect way to get into ultra marathons, not overly technical, accessible, and fun,” Emmerson said.
The Margaret River Ultra Marathon is organised by Rapid Ascent, a Victorian events management company that also conducts the Surf Coast Century ultra marathon in Victoria and the Act-Belong-Commit Augusta Adventure Fest in WA, amongst many other off-road races around Australia.
General Manager Sam Maffett from Rapid Ascent said the variety of landscapes and terrain types that the course passes through keeps runners interested from the start to finish 80km away.
“The course traverses such a diverse range of landscapes whilst remaining accessible and within easy reach of the wineries, cafes and beaches that the area is famous for,” Maffett said.
“South West WA is a sensational area with a great reputation for holiday makers and when you run the course you can see why – it’s just beautiful!
“Ultra marathons are increasing in popularity the world over and the 80km distance places it within reach of many runners, plus with the relay team option it makes the event achievable for nearly all runners. Combine this accessibility with the beautiful landscapes and popularity of the Margaret River region and it’s obvious this event is fast becoming one of the most popular ultras on the Australian running calendar.”
Part of the allure of the event is it provides the ideal opportunity for runners to combine their love of running with a visit to one of Australia’s most beautiful regions; Margaret River in south-west Western Australia – the course remaining accessible and within easy reach of the wineries, vineyards, cafes, art galleries and beaches that the area is famous for. The variety of the terrain, combined with the incredible setting will make it an exceptional experience for all participants.
This is a ‘full service’ event with all the customer service considerations you’d expect from an industry leader, including transport, well stocked checkpoints with food and drinks, a marked and marshalled course and stop off points for spectators and support crews that will allow non-runners to take in the best of the landscape as well.
For an extraordinary running holiday, check out the Margaret River Ultra Marathon at www.MRUltramarathon.com.au