It’s a full house at the fifth edition of the Margaret River Ultra Marathon set for 7 May 2022 in south-west, Western Australia, having reached capacity of 1,500 participants within six weeks of entries opening.
Organisers predicted the 80km point to point course would sell out but were overwhelmed with how swiftly entries were snatched up!
“We are overwhelmed by the enthusiasm for the race, particularly from individual competitors up by 65% from the 2021 event.” said Sam Maffett, General Manager of organisers Rapid Ascent.
“After witnessing a huge increase in entry numbers over the past four years, we predicted the same trend to continue but wowee, that was quick!” added Maffett.
The ultra marathon is now confidently regarded as one of WA’s most in-demand races for any athlete.
Rapid Ascent have a self-imposed entry limit of 1,500 to preserve the competitor experience for those running on the day.
A waiting list is offered via the event website for those who have missed out; with slots to be made available if and when a current entrant withdraws.
The spectacular 80km point to point course offers magnificent trail running for competitors as they make their way from Hamelin Bay to Wilyabrup on the breathtaking Cape to Cape coastline.
420 competitors will tackle the course as a solo runner, with the remainder of the sold-out field running as part of a relay team of 2 to 5 members covering 10-20km each.
“The people, the places, the faces, the stories, the flowing celebratory beverages… it truly is an exceptional event and we can’t wait to host the 2022 edition come May!” said Maffett.
Amongst the solo competitors are Joshua Kuhn and Scarlett Duncan of WA who both finished 2nd at the 2021 event in times of 7:36.26 and 8:39.44 (respectively) and are no doubt on the hunt for top of the podium in 2022.
The Settlers Express relay team of 5 return to defend their lightening-fast course record of 6:19.00.
“The idea to run together came about over a few beers at a 20 year reunion so we thought why not! And we definitely have to back-up that win again!” said team captain Sam Maxwell.
Competitors will finish with a celebratory beverage at the Cheeky Monkey Brewery, the official event venue.
These Margaret River Ultra Marathon is organised by Rapid Ascent—one of Australia’s premier off-road events management company—manager of the Eagle Bay Epic Adventure Race and X-Adventure Dunsborough also conducted in Western Australia—among others.
Psst! There’s a new trail running relay teams event in Western Australia coming to the Rapid Ascent portfolio too! Standby for an announcement on 1st November, 2021.
For more information on the Margaret River Ultra Marathon head to www.MRUltramarathon.com.au or join the conversation at www.facebook.com/RapidAscentUltraRunningEvents
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VENT DETAILS:
When: 7th May 2022
Where: Margaret River, South-West Western Australia
What: An 80-kilometre ultra-marathon with two options:
- Solo 80km
- Relay team of 2-5 runners doing one (or more) legs each
Leg breakdown:
- Leg 1: 11.5km Hamelin Bay to Boranup Campsite
- Leg 2: 18km Boranup Campsite to Contos Campground. Total: 28.5km
- Leg 3: 19.5km Contos Campground to Riflebutts Reserve, Total: 48km
- Leg 4: 18.5km Riflebutts Reserve to Gracetown. Total: 66.5km
- Leg 5: 12.5km Gracetown to Cheeky Monkey Brewery and Cidery. Total: 80km
EVENT WEBSITE:
www.MRUltramarathon.com.au
