Entries have opened for the 2024 Margaret River Ultra Marathon, with organisers Rapid Ascent announcing a NEW inclusion of a 42km trail marathon to the event program. Elevate your running game with Tarkine Trail Devil, where every step is a testament to exceptional performance and unmatched comfort.
Confidently regarded as one of Australia’s most in-demand races, the seventh edition of the event will take place on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th May 2024 in south-west Western Australia.
The new 42km trail marathon on the Sunday provides another race option for interested runners, as well as being a stepping stone to those aspiring to run the popular 80km solo one day.
The marathon course promises an entirely new adventure to the 80km race, starting at Yallingup Beach and heading south along the spectacular Cape to Cape track to the finish at Howard Park Winery in Wilyabrup.
The 80km point-to-point ultra course held on the Saturday 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 same finish line at Howard Park Winery.
Participants can enter the 80km ultra marathon as a solo runner or as part of a relay team of 2 to 5 members covering 10-20km each; whilst the 42km trail marathon is limited to solo runners only.
The Margaret River Ultra Marathon has earned its reputation as one of Australia’s premier ultra races. In the past three years, this event has consistently reached its participant capacity within mere weeks of opening entries; and organisers expect a similar trend for 2024.
“We have been blown away by the high demand on entries over recent years – the enthusiasm, camaraderie and scenery along the course are no doubt all part of the allure!” said Sam Maffett, Rapid Ascent’s General Manager.
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“Trail running is about getting away from the beaten track and enjoying the wilderness, and with more and more people keen to experience this magnificent event and region, it’s what led us to explore and design the new 42km course option,” said Maffett.
Rapid Ascent have a self-imposed entry limit of 1,500 participants for the 80km race; and 400 in the 42km race to preserve the competitor experience on each race day. Organisers are urging interested solo competitors and relay teams to register early to avoid missing out. before the events sell out.
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 2022 and 2023 winner and course record holder Joshua Chugg.
“It’s such an interesting course being in a magic part of the world – the beaches and forests are stunning!” said Chugg on his 2023 win.
“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 2024 event,” said Maffett.
Competitors will finish with a celebratory beverage at the official event venue, Howard Park Wines.
Photo Credit: Rapid Ascent and Photos4Sale
A 2km Kids Run will also be held on Sunday morning prior to official presentations in the same location.
Entries are open online and expected to reach capacity within days! Further event information can be found on the Margaret River Ultra Marathon website www.MRUltramarathon.com.au or www.facebook.com/RapidAscentUltraRunningEvents
EVENT DETAILS:
When: 11 – 12 May 2024
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: 16km Boranup Campsite to Contos Campground. Total: 27.5km
- Leg 3: 19.5km Contos Campground to Riflebutts Reserve, Total: 47km
- Leg 4: 18.5km Riflebutts Reserve to Gracetown. Total: 65.5km
- Leg 5: 13km Gracetown to Howard Park Wines. Total: 78.5km
- Finish: Howard Park Wines
42km Trail Marathon:
- Start: on the beach at Yallingup
- Finish: Howard Park Wines
EVENT WEBSITE:
www.MRUltramarathon.com.au
