The Trail Running Series presented by The North Face
Trail Running Series Opener at Westerfolds Just Days Away
Press Release / 15.06.2017
Runners from across Victoria are gearing up for the first race of The Trail Running Series presented by The North Face which will take place at Westerfolds Park, Templestowe this Sunday. Over 1,100 trail-runners will race along winding single-track, through grassy woodlands, alongside the Yarra River and across footbridges in this magnificent inner-urban bushland at Westerfolds which is one of two new locations for the 2017 Series. The Series offers runners of all abilities a mix of five short distance trail runs at a range of beautiful wilderness locations all within an hour drive of Melbourne from June through to October. The 2017 Series has undergone a refresh with new locations, updated courses, new kids runs, new sponsors and a whole lot more in store.
Australia's most popular series of off-road races is conducted by renowned event managers Rapid Ascent.
Race Director Sam Maffett of Rapid Ascent said he was excited to open the 2017 Series at the new location of Westerfolds Park which he expects to be extremely popular amongst runners who will enjoy exploring the new trail running area. "You can become fully immersed in nature on these little known trails with their sweeping single track, grassy woodlands and amazing views. It's always exciting to explore somewhere new, and that's exactly why we've spread our wings and introduced the new race venues in 2017," Maffett said. "The Series has brought trail running into the lives of so many new people over the years. We hope to welcome many more in 2017 as well as see the return of many familiar faces. We love this Series and the feeling in the trail running community echoes that 100 percent."
Trail Running Series devotee Patricia Bowmer of Hampton ran at Studley Park, Kew at the first trail running series race, seven years ago. "Every year since, I have signed up for every single race of The Trail Series. I have been there on the steep hills, in the mud, in the fog, in the rain; following trails through the woods, learning each new place and route. "I have treasured memories of start lines, huddled together with other runners like penguins, bouncing up and down to warm up, listening to music bursting from the loudspeakers, and chatting with people who would become friends," Bowmer said. "I'll be doing the Medium Series this year. And like many trail runners, I can't wait to get started."
Following Race 1 at Westerfolds Park this weekend, Race 2 will descend on Smiths Gully in the Yarra Valley on 9th July.
The Series continues on 6th August with the return of Race 3 at Silvan that will include an all-new 2.2km Kids Run that will add even more fun to this already very popular event. Race 4 at Anglesea on the Surf Coast on 10th September will also include a new medium course race and a new Kids Run to keep our youngsters encouraged. The Series then concludes on 6th October where runners can celebrate the return of the spectacular night race at Kew's Studley Park.
Each event includes 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. Over its seven year history this incredibly popular series has revolutionised trail running in Australia with its short distance trail runs that are welcoming and accessible for runners of all fitness levels.
Further details on The Trail Running Series can be found at the event website at www.TrailRunningSeries.com.au with entries open for these five popular events.
2017 Series outline:
Race 1: Sunday 18 June – Westerfolds Park 5km / 11km / 15km
Race 2: Sunday 9 July – Smiths Gully 7km / 13km / 18km
Race 3: Sunday 6 August – Silvan, Dandenong Ranges – 7km / 15km / 21km
Race 4: Sunday 10 September – Anglesea – 8km / 15km / 23km
Race 5 - night race: Friday 6th October – Studley Park – 5km / 11km / 15km
Event website: www.TrailRunningSeries.com.au
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