Margaret River Ultra Marathon
2nd Take For The Margaret River Ultra Marathon
Press Release / 02.05.2019
More than 850 runners from across Australia and overseas will test their physical limits at the 2nd annual Margaret River Ultra Marathon this Saturday May 4. A gruelling 80km trail run with infinite scenery will test trail runners from Hamelin Bay to Wilyabrup on the Cape to Cape coastline of south-west Western Australia.
Karri tree forests, cliff top trails with ocean views, white sandy beaches, coastal villages from a Tim Winton novel, and rolling hinterland will absorb runners competing in solo and team events. Teams of 2-5 runners can divide the distance into a relay with the course split into five legs of 10km and 20km.
The first Margaret River Ultra was a roaring success last year with the event designed for all levels—from elites to trail running newbies. And the kids get a go too. The Cheeky Monkey Brewery will play host to a fun two kilometre Kids Run on Sunday morning.
“Parents can bring their kids down and let them go wild!” said Sam Maffet, General Manager of Rapid Ascent. Presentations for the grown-ups will follow the kids run on Sunday morning.
Anna Weatherill from Perth was told she would never walk again after being hit by a truck in 2009. On Saturday she’ll tackle the Ultra in a team of five, “I am the driving force of the team doing the 1st uphill leg. I may also do the last leg if our 5th team member doesn’t make it. I refused to listen to the experts so this is a big thrill for me to say the least.”
Veronique Bourbeau from Singapore said the ultra will be a cake walk after she ran recently finished a 250KM race in Japan in 37 hours, “What’s easier? 250km for sure (laughs), no way, I'm just kidding!”
And Tristan Yuswak and his mates from Perth are hoping to raise money to build awareness for mental health issues prevalent in the mining industry. “I’m running in a team with a bunch of UON employees who to raise awareness and funds for depression in the mining workforce, especially the FIFO lifestyle.”
Part of the allure for the Margaret River Ultra is providing an opportunity for runners to combine their love of running with a visit to one of Australia’s most spectacular regions. The course is accessible for spectators and a stone’s throw from world class wineries, cafes and surf beaches. It all kicks off Friday night with a race briefing at the Cheeky Monkey brewery live-streamed on the Rapid Ultra Facebook page from 6.30PM onward.
It’s shaping up to be a big event that’s for sure. It’s a ‘full service’ event with all the customer service you’d expect from an industry leader like Rapid Ascent, including: transport, checkpoints with food and drinks, and a marked and marshalled course. Stop off points for spectators and support crews will allow non-runners to take in the atmosphere as well.
Rapid Ascent also runs the Surf Coast Century ultra marathon in Victoria and the Augusta Adventure Fest in Western Australia, in addition to a number of other running series and events across Australia.
Local media and south-west locals in Western Australia are invited to come down for a look and stop in at the bustling Cheeky Monkey Brewery to mix it up with event staff and competitors.
For more information on the Margaret River Ultra Marathon head to www.MRUltramarathon.com.au.
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