Entries are now open to the much-anticipated return of the Trail Running Series for 2021; conducted by event management leaders Rapid Ascent.
Heading into its’ eleventh year, the Series features five trail run races at a range of beautiful wilderness locations all within an hour’s drive of Melbourne. Races are held from June through to October.
An added focus of this years’ Series will be on social interaction and getting the trail running community back together again after an event hiatus last year.
In 2020, the Trail Running Series featured just two virtual trail running races due to COVID-19, so Rapid Ascent is looking forward to welcoming runners back to the trails, fresh-air and natural landscapes, with an emphasis on reconnecting with one another.
“We can’t wait to see the trail running community reconnect at the Series; to catch up with old and new friends, and share these amazing runs and race experiences together,” said General Manager Sam Maffett.
“Trail running brings people together and offers more than just the enjoyment on the trails – it’s the endorphins, the fitness and health opportunities, and most importantly the friendly social vibes and friendships that we all missed last year,” said Maffett.
The Series revolutionised trail running in Australia by taking it to the masses and continues to lead the way as one of Australia’s most popular trail running events.
Each event features a short course race that varies in length between 5km and 7km, a medium course race of between 10km and 15km and a long course race that starts at 15km and extends to 23km at its longest. Competitors can enter all races or choose just the races that suit them.
The 2021 Series includes:
· RACE 1 Yarra Bend – Sunday 6 June: 5km / 11km / 15km
· RACE 2 Smiths Gully – Sunday 11 July: 7km / 14km / 18km
· RACE 3 Anglesea – Sunday 8 August: 8km / 15km / 23km and NEW Friendly 4km
· RACE 4 Werribee Gorge (NEW VENUE) – Sunday 19 Sept: 6km / 9km / 14km
· RACE 5 Silvan – Sunday 17 October: 7km / 15km / 21km and Kids Run
View this post on Instagram
A large appeal of the Series is that it allows runners to become fully immersed in nature. Competitors will run on little known trails, down fun single tracks that pass through scenic landscapes of towering gum trees, trickling creeks, fern-lined valleys and native wildlife – all in a friendly event atmosphere.
These sentiments are echoed by competitors.
“I love the energy and vibe of the Trail Running Series; and I love being able to run in beautiful places I never knew existed!” said Mary, a yearly participant.
“Each event offered an excuse to escape the city and to spend some mindful, quality time outdoors in the fresh air and nature. After each trail run I felt invigorated and inspired!” said Sarah, a 2019 participant.
Rapid Ascent looks forward to kicking things off again this June at Race 1. Further details on the Trail Running Series can be found on the event website at www.TrailRunningSeries.com.au with entries NOW OPEN for these five popular events.
