Run Bibbulmun Track Stage Race
Stunning Course Wows Run Bubbulmun Track Stage Race Competitors
Press Release / 24.11.2024
200 ultra runners from across Australia and as far as Denmark and Idaho (USA) competed at the Run Bibbulmun Track Stage Race over the weekend from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th November, 2024.
The three-day ultra stage running race traversed large sections of the famed Bibbulmun Track in the Great Southern Region of Western Australia. Two race distances made up the event for solo runners - a Long Course featuring stages of 33 - 39km per day; and a Short Course spanning 17 - 24km per day.
Participants experienced trails in some of the region’s most wild, rugged and spectacular natural landscapes, resulting in a successful and memorable event.
Overall Long Course winners Victoria Cole and local Joel Gray were equally wowed as they showed strength and determination across the three days; with Christie Lori and Lachie McDougall claiming the Short Course crowns.
McDougall reflected on the three-day event;
“There were three very unique stages that were all beautiful in their own right,” said McDougall. “I like how each stage was so different to each other; and the fact that you could run alongside fellow competitors and just have a chat is pretty special I think.”
Gray was unstoppable over the three days and held top form despite being his first ever stage race;
“There’s no better place to race than here is there! It makes the win even more special for me,” said Gray.
Cole who ran with Gray over large sections of the course was stunned by the course’s beauty;
“These stages were simply beautiful. All the wildflowers on the ridge were just amazing!” said Cole.
The new and improved format of the previously named Great Southern Stange Run (2022-2023) was designed by organisers Rapid Ascent who have a reputation for curating challenging ultra running courses that simultaneously showcase the beauty of the natural environment.
“The Great Southern region is one of Australia’s best kept secrets when it comes to ultra trail running locations,” said General Manager of Rapid Ascent Sam Maffett. “It truly was fantastic to witness so many of our participants relishing in the opportunity to run in an area of Australia rarely visited by people.”
“The real triumph however has been the calm, collaborative and fun atmosphere amongst all participants. We saw limits pushed, determination shine; and continual encouragement of each other throughout the stages.” continued Maffett.
The sections of Bibbulmun Track that competitors were treated to encompassed incredibly beautiful parts of Western Australia; from the tall Tingle and Karri trees at the Valley of the Giants near Walpole to the windswept granite cliffs of the Torndirrup Peninsula.
Day 1 started at the valley of the Giants in Walpole on the elevated tree-top walk and finished up at Peaceful Bay. Competitors ran through a mix of terrain along forests trails, wild back beaches, cliff tops, and rock-hopping, passing many scenic landmarks such as Conspicuous Beach.
Day 2’s 33km long course and 24km short courses weaved their way through the beautiful coastal heathland with views inland to the Porongurup Ranges and along the coast to West Cape Howe. Competitors described the day as a ‘celebration of running’ – a simply spectacular stage, running on trails that offered picture-postcard views and genuine camaraderie felt throughout.
Day 3 commenced below Denmark’s’ mighty windmills and took long course competitors across remarkable beach-hugging trails and past the world-renowned Greens Pool where the short course began on the beach. Competitors then headed inland climbing through the karri forests and over the stage’s highest point at Mt Hallowell (294m) before weaving beside Wilson Inlet and into the finish line.
Competitors were equally awed and pushed by the mix of stunning terrain, not only by the course itself, but within their own and aspirations the event offered, as described by participant Christi Putz from Idaho, USA;
“I came here with my cousin Martha (Wood) – she invited me to come and do this world-renown Bibbulmun track and I said why not! And it is absolutely stunning; everywhere you look is absolutely beautiful,” said Putz.
Wood went on to describe the race as “the best trail run I have ever experienced! Not only is it beautiful, it’s been the best decision ever to run this event with Christie!”
Dr Inia Raumati from New Zealand completed his penultimate race on his journey to be the first person to run a multi stage self-supported ultra on each continent in 1 year. Learn more about Dr Inia Raumati’s quest HERE.
The conclusion of running on Sunday saw competitors and their supporters enjoy a celebratory finish line at McLean Park, Denmark.
“Thank you to all runners for keeping vibes high; it’s been a privilege to watch you our participants from all corners of the globe triumph in such an inclusive and supportive fashion,” said Maffett.
The Great Southern is the largest and most diverse region within Australia’s South West and is supported by the City of Albany who have helped Rapid Ascent evolve such a special event.
The event also supports the Bibbulmun Track Foundation and their ongoing maintenance and management of the trail.
Rapid Ascent once again set their self-imposed field limit of 200 participants for the event, to preserve the natural environment and ensure an exceptional experience for all. The event format follows in the footsteps of the immensely popular Run Larapinta Stage Race that brings together running enthusiasts from across the Country; reaching its own field limit with hours.
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