News: Margaret River Ultra Marathon
Press Release
Margaret River Ultra Marathon 2023 - one of the greatest
09 May, 2023 (Tue)
In only it’s sixth year, the Margaret River Ultra Marathon has proven once again why it stands as one of the greatest ultra races in Australia as a capacity field of 1,500 participants completed the 80km course on Saturday 6 May, 2023.
In the words of Race Director Sam Maffett; “It’s an awe-inspiring event of endurance, determination, friendship and support. You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.”
The point-to-point course was held along the breathtaking Cape to Cape coastline in south-west Western Australia from Hamelin Bay, through to the finish line at Howard Park Wines in Wilyabrup.
400 solo runners and 1,100 relay team members covering 10-20km each made up the capacity field which sold-out within three weeks of entries opening in October last year.
Part of the alure for participants is not just the welcoming event atmosphere, it’s the course itself that offers a magnificent journey along some of the greatest variety of trails the south-west has to offer.
The 2022 course champion Josh Chugg backed up his win, using all his ultra running mental strength and skills in the final stages to clock an outstanding time of 6 hours 36 minutes and 17 seconds – breaking his own course record by 4 minutes!
“This event is special to me because it is such a meaningful race being my first ultra trail last year and I thought that was the best race I had put together,” said Chugg. “But when I got to Leg 4, I thought the course record might be in reach so I started to push – it was on my mind – my original goal was just to get under 7 hours, but Richardt (Schwable) pulled me along early and suddenly the record was in reach!”
Despite breaking his own record, Chugg still pushed his limits.
“It’s such an interesting course being in a magic part of the world – the beaches and forests are stunning! But no matter how comfortable you feel half-way, hitting the beaches there’s a bit of suffering – the body was screaming towards the end!”
Richardt Schwalb came in second, and Sjoerd Algera was third in times of 7:24:00 and 7:44:15, respectively.
The women’s solo 80km field saw Jayme Berman of Esperance WA etch her name in the winner’s history book in an remarkable time of 7:49:01, which also placed her fourth overall.
Once again the women on course showed their ultra running strength and prowess with not just impressive times, but impressive placings overall with three females in the top 10! Petra Jerejian finished fifth overall, and placed as second female (7:55:29); Kirsten Buist was ninth overall and third female (8:12:52).
Bergman had a great lead up to the race and was ecstatic with her win.
“I’ve run as part of a relay team most years because it’s just magnificent; it really is such a great place to run so doing it as a solo this year was the next step for me.”
“After getting Covid just before the race last year, it’s actually been an amazing two-year lead up to get here and be here on the start line. And yeh, it’s been a perfect day and a perfect race, thank you so much!”
Team “Lori Family” was the first relay team to finish the 80km course in the second fastest team time ever on course (6:04:31), and included team members Andrea Kierath, Christie Godfrey, Michael Lori, Erika Lori and Mark Lori.
Another team in the spotlight was ‘always trailing’ with competitor Teague Czislowski running Leg 5 with the support of team-mates and spectators bringing him home to the tune of We are the Champions by Queen.
Teague was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma last year – yet he still trained every day determined to make it to the Margaret River Ultra Marathon as part of our relay team… and he did!
Competitors continued to finish well into the night at Howard Park Wines after a spectacular journey that took them through tall karri forests, coastal trails, beaches and bluffs with sweeping views across the magical Margaret River region.
A 2km Kids Run was held on Sunday morning prior to presentations.
Rapid Ascent lavished in the enthusiasm that oozed from competitors and supporters throughout the race.
“This is what we love about the Margaret River Ultra – the enthusiasm, excitement, tears, high-fives and joy that eludes from the course and on the sidelines!” said Sam Maffett, General Manager of organisers Rapid Ascent.
“We are so proud of every athlete on course today – we understand your desire to run and love you being a part of this event,” continued Maffett. “The check-points and finish line really did come alive with celebrations and it was fantastic to see some incredible running – and cheering – throughout the entire day!”
The 2024 Margaret River Ultra Marathon is set to be held on Saturday 11 May (tentative date) with entries to open in late September. The event is expected to reach capacity. Rapid Ascent have a self-imposed entry limit to preserve the competitor experience for those running on the day.
Margaret River Ultra Marathon Result:
Top 3 Men
1
Josh Chugg (course record)
06:36:17
2
Richardt Schwalb
07:24:00
3
Sjoerd Algera
07:44:15
Top 3 Women
1
Jayme Bergman
07:49:01
2
Petra Jerejian
07:55:29
3
Kirsten Buist
08:12:52
FULL RESULTS – TEAMS AND INDIVIDUALS: CLICK HERE
For more information on the Margaret River Ultra Marathon head to www.MRUltramarathon.com.au or www.facebook.com/RapidAscentUltraRunningEvents
Ahotu event page:
4 min read
Press Release
Margaret River Ultra Marathon Results - May 2022
10 May, 2022 (Tue)
In-demand Margaret River Ultra Marathon showcases world-class runs
One of Australia’s most in-demand ultra races saw a capacity field of 1,500 participants complete the 80km Margaret River Ultra Marathon in perfect weather conditions on Saturday 7 May, 2022.
The fifth edition of the event was held along the breathtaking Cape to Cape coastline in south-west Western Australia from Hamelin Bay, through to the finish line at Howard Park Wines in Wilyabrup.
A number of the Country’s finest elite ultra-trail runners put on a world-class show with two exceptional course records being set by Joshua Chugg and Anna McKenna; both etching their names in the history books in impressive times of 06:40:32 and 07:09:55, respectively.
McKenna also becomes the third fastest-ever over the 80km course after crossing the continent to take on the bucket-list race for the first time. Mckenna finished well ahead of her rivals Sarah Ludowici of Victoria (07:47:07) and Lisa Mannix from Esperance WA (08:08:08).
McKenna said she was looking for a confidence booster after her previous race in Noosa and is chuffed with how she performed.
“I wanted to go out and run my own race today, so I started pretty conservatively, and my plan was to build from there; I managed to do that pretty well I think,” said McKenna. “I don’t really like to look at my watch in a race as I prefer to gauge it with how I’m feeling and run to that.”
“However one thing I kept reminding myself was just to look up; to look at the surroundings and how beautiful it is out there, especially across those challenging sand sections… I just kept moving and taking it all in,” added McKenna.
Equally as impressive as McKenna’s run was the strength of the female field as a whole in the 2022 race. Four of the top ten placegetters were female; with 11 in the top 20; and female participants making up a total 50% of the field across solo’s and relay teams. Both Mckenna and Ludowici also hail as previous Surf Coast Century ultra marathon champions.
In the men’s division, Chugg was on a mission from the starters gun aiming to go one-up from his second place finish in 2020 to dual-winner (2019 and 2020) and this years’ second-placed Justin Scarvaci of Perth (07:08:07).
Chugg’s outstanding course-breaking time bettered that of Scarvaci’s by approximately 35 minutes. Adrian Castle finished third in 07:57:17.
350 solo competitors completed the point-to-point course in ideal race conditions, with the remainder of the field running as part of a relay team of 2 to 5 members covering 10-20km each.
The event reached capacity within six weeks of entries opening in October last year in only its’ fifth appearance. Organisers Rapid Ascent have a self-imposed entry limit to preserve the competitor experience for those running on the day.
First place relay team was Ogging Squad who finished in a swift course time of 6:09:17, and included team members Nick Thompson, Sam Lade, Reece Harris, Jonathan Sammut and Agostino Zurzolo.
Competitors finished well into the night at Howard Park Wines after a spectacular journey that took them through tall karri forests, coastal trails, beaches and bluffs with sweeping views across the magical Margaret River region.
A 2km Kids Run was also held on Sunday morning prior to presentations.
“We have witnessed some history-making running at this years event in ideal weather conditions; it really was such a successful day all round,” said Sam Maffett, General Manager of organisers Rapid Ascent.
“Competitors seemed to really embrace all aspects of the event from the course through to the finish line environment and great camaraderie no matter if they raced solo or as part of a relay team,” added Maffett. “Well done to everyone who participated and supported this race.”
The 2023 Margaret River Ultra Marathon will be held on 6 May with entries to open in September. The event is expected to once again sell out.
For more information on the Margaret River Ultra Marathon head to www.MRUltramarathon.com.au or www.facebook.com/RapidAscentUltraRunningEvents
Results
Top 3 Men
1
Josh Chugg
06:40:32 (course record)
2
Justin Scarvaci
07:08:07
3
Adrian Castle
07:57:17
Top 3 Women
1
Anna McKenna
07:09:17 (course record and 3rd fastest time ever)
2
Sarah Ludowici
07:47:07
3
Lisa Mannix
08:08:08
Complete results
Ahotu event page:
3 min read
Press Release
Entries open to popular Margaret River Ultra Marathon 2022
01 Sep, 2021 (Wed)
Entries have opened to the fifth edition of the Margaret River Ultra Marathon to be held on 7 May 2022 in south-west, Western Australia with the event expected to sell out for the second year in a row.
The popularity of the 80km point to point course has doubled since it first appeared on the calendar in 2018 with just 700 participants, cementing its place as one of the most popular ultra marathons on the Australian running calendar.
Organisers Rapid Ascent have a self-imposed entry limit of 1,500 to preserve the competitor experience for those running on the day and recommend interested runners enter early to avoid missing out.
“After witnessing a huge increase in entry numbers over the past four years, we predict the same trend to continue for individuals and relay teams,” said Sam Maffett, General Manager of organisers Rapid Ascent.
“Sure, the vibe of a big field adds energy to us all, but trail running is also about getting away from people and enjoying the wilderness… so bigger is not always better.” Maffett added.
The spectacular 80km course offers magnificent trail running for competitors as they make their way from Hamelin Bay to Wilyabrup on the breathtaking Cape to Cape coastline.
The unique landscape keeps runners buzzing from start to finish, as the course winds its way through tall karri tree forests, coastal trails, beaches and bluffs with sweeping views across the magical Margaret River region.
Competitors can tackle the course as a solo runner, or as part of a relay team of 2 to 5 members covering 10-20km each.
“This is what makes ultra running so good – no matter if you’re part of a team, an accomplished ultra runner or first timer, the event offers everyone a chance to be part of an incredible experience,” said Maffett. “The people, the places, the faces, the stories, the flowing celebratory beverages… it truly was an exceptional event and we can’t wait to host the 2022 edition!”
Competitors will finish with a celebratory beverage at the Cheeky Monkey Brewery, the official event venue.
These Margaret River Ultra Marathon is organised by Rapid Ascent—one of Australia’s premier off-road events management company—manager of the Eagle Bay Epic Adventure Race and X-Adventure Dunsborough also conducted in Western Australia—among others.
For more information on the Margaret River Ultra Marathon head to www.MRUltramarathon.com.au or join the conversation at www.facebook.com/RapidAscentUltraRunningEvents
Ahotu event page:
2 min read
Press Release
Margaret River Ultra Marathon Going Ahead This Saturday
26 Apr, 2021 (Mon)
Credit : Rapid Ascent
The Margaret River Ultra Marathon is going ahead as planned this Saturday 1 May 2021 in south-west, Western Australia, after the WA Government announced an end to the snap-lockdown at midnight Monday 26 April.
Organisers Rapid Ascent will put relevant amendments in place to ensure the event follows current COVID-19 restrictions.
“Having gone through similar protocols and procedures in 2020 and earlier this year in February, we can confidentially and safely confirm the event will go ahead on Saturday with only minor changes to the event roll-out,” said Rapid Ascent General Manager, Sam Maffett.
Face mask requirements will apply to those who have been in the Perth and Peel regions since 17th April up until 12:01AM AWST Saturday, with an update to be announced at the competitor briefing on the Friday evening.
A copy of the COVID Event Safety Plan can be found on page 3 of the Official Event Program (click HERE for link), and was circulated to all event attendees.
The sold-out field of 1,500 participants were no doubt holding their breaths as much as the event organisers were!
“It has been a challenging few days for us all to navigate but we are excited to be able to proceed and hope that our 1,500 competitors are looking forward to some quality time on the spectacular trails that make up the 80km course,” said Maffett.
“After witnessing a huge increase in numbers in 2020 and to reach capacity six weeks out from the 2021 event, we believe it is fast becoming one of the most popular ultras on the Australian running calendar and can’t wait for race day Saturday!” continued Maffett.
Rapid Ascent have a self-imposed entry limit to preserve the competitor experience for those running on the day with the main goal to always ensure runners have the best possible experience.
The spectacular 80km course offers magnificent trail running for competitors as they make their way from Hamelin Bay to Wilyabrup on the breathtaking Cape to Cape coastline. Competitors will finish with a celebratory beverage at the Cheeky Monkey Brewery, the official event venue.
250 competitors will tackle the course as a solo runner, with the remainder of the sold-out field running as part of a relay team of 2 to 5 members covering 10-20km each. A 2km Kids Run will also be held on Sunday morning prior to presentations.
Amongst the solo competitors is two-time Margaret River Ultra Marathon champion Justin Scarvaci of Perth who will find himself up against Victorian elite runner Matt Crehan.
Scarvaci set a course record in 2020, with a fast-flying time of 07:16:55; whilst Crehan placed 2nd at the 100km Surf Coast Century in December. It’s fair to say we have a VIC vs WA battle on our hands!
The Surf Coast Century and Margaret River Ultra Marathon have a brother/sister relationship where the winners or placegetters of each event are invited to race in the adjacent event.
For more information on the Margaret River Ultra Marathon this weekend head to www.MRUltramarathon.com.au or follow the race via www.facebook.com/RapidAscentUltraRunningEvents
Ahotu event page:
2 min read
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