Entries have opened for The Margaret River Ultra Marathon, which will return to the south west coast of Western Australia on May 4, 2019.
The inaugural event in 2018 attracted 700 runners from across Australia to take on 80 kilometres of trail running, and has already cemented itself as one of the country’s 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 five 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, Prevelly, Gracetown and a range of breathtaking landscapes along the Cape to Cape track in between.
Runners will have the chance to run through towering Karri 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 Act-Belong-Commit Augusta Adventure Fest, amongst 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.”
The ‘full service’ event will include 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.
Leg 1: 10.5km Hamelin Bay to Boranup Campsite
Leg 2: 18km Boranup Campsite to Contos Campground. Total: 28.5km
Leg 3: 19.5km Contos Campground to White Elephant Café, Total: 48km
Leg 4: 20km White Elephant Café to Gracetown. Total: 68km
Leg 5: 12km Gracetown to Cheeky Monkey Brewery and Cidery. Total: 80km
Check out the Margaret River Ultra Marathon details and registrations at www.MRUltramarathon.com.au
