Event Date: 10–11 May 2025
Location: Margaret River Region, Western Australia

Overview

The Margaret River Ultra Marathon has earned its place as one of Australia's premier trail running events, showcasing the natural beauty of the Cape to Cape coastline. From towering karri forests to breathtaking beaches and headlands, this event blends physical challenge with incredible scenery. Runners of all levels, from trail novices to ultra veterans, can find their challenge with two main events:

  • 80km Ultra Marathon (Solo or Relay Team of 2–5 runners)
  • 42km Trail Marathon

Both distances culminate in a lively post-race celebration at Howard Park Winery, featuring live music, gourmet food, and refreshments to reward participants' achievements.


Event Details

DistanceDatesFormatStarting PointFinish Line
80km10 May 2025Solo or Relay (2–5)Hamelin BayHoward Park Winery
42km11 May 2025SoloYallingupHoward Park Winery

Key Features

  • Trail Highlights: Coastal vistas, forest trails, rocky headlands, sandy beaches, and hinterland terrain.
  • Event Atmosphere: A welcoming community of runners, stunning landscapes, and an exciting finish-line celebration.
  • Course Terrain: A mix of hard-packed trails, technical sections, and sandy tracks. While runnable overall, sandy stretches and technical elements will test participants' stamina and focus.

80km Ultra Marathon

Course Overview

  • Distance: 77.7km
  • Elevation: 1,312m ascent / 1,250m descent
  • Route: Hamelin Bay β†’ Boranup Forest β†’ Conto Cliffs β†’ Gnarabup β†’ Gracetown β†’ Howard Park Winery.

Leg Breakdown:

LegDistanceStart/Finish LocationTerrain HighlightsElevation Gain/Loss
111.5kmHamelin Bay β†’ Boranup CampsiteCoastal trails, heathland, technical single tracks.370m / 190m
214.5kmBoranup β†’ Conto CampgroundTowering karri trees, lush forest.350m / 440m
320kmConto β†’ Riflebutts ReserveGranite domes, cliffs, challenging beach sections.380m / 485m
418kmRiflebutts β†’ GracetownRemote coastlines, beach crossings, hinterland trails.280m / 290m
513.7kmGracetown β†’ Howard ParkSandy single/4WD tracks, farmland, winery finish.250m / 150m

Nutrition & Hydration
Available at 4 checkpoints, featuring:

  • Skratch Labs hydration, sandwiches, fruits, snacks, and soups.
  • Warm foods like chicken noodle soup at later checkpoints.

42km Trail Marathon

Course Overview

  • Distance: 42.4km
  • Elevation: 1,000m ascent / 880m descent
  • Route: Yallingup β†’ Smiths Beach β†’ Moses Rocks β†’ Howard Park Winery.

Section Breakdown:

SectionDistanceStart/Finish LocationTerrain HighlightsElevation Gain/Loss
16.3kmStart β†’ WP1 (Yallingup)Sandy beach, Cape to Cape track, Mt Duckworth ascent.200m / 100m
26.7kmWP1 β†’ WP2 (Wyadup Rd)Granite domes, technical trail through limestone.220m / 200m
39kmWP2 β†’ WP3 (Moses Rocks)Coastal trails, untouched beaches, limestone cliffs.300m / 320m
411kmWP3 β†’ WP4 (Juniper Rd)Rocky climbs, scenic views, sandy sections.280m / 250m
57.4kmWP4 β†’ Howard ParkSandy tracks, flat farmland trails, celebratory finish.100m / 50m

Water Points: Located at 6.3km, 13km, 24km, 35km, and the finish line.

Key Terrain: Rocky trails, sandy beaches, and smooth tracks. While challenging, the breathtaking views make every step worth it.


Relay Team Options for the 80km Ultra

Teams can consist of 2 to 5 runners. The course can be split as follows:

  • 2 Runners: Runner 1 (Legs 1, 2, 5 – 40km) / Runner 2 (Legs 3, 4 – 38km).
  • 3 Runners: Divide longer legs (e.g., Leg 3: 20km) for more even effort.
  • 4–5 Runners: Assign legs based on distance and difficulty.

Event Logistics

Entry Information

  • 80km Ultra Marathon:
    • Solo: 400 runners (SOLD OUT).
    • Relay Teams: 250 teams (SOLD OUT).
  • 42km Trail Marathon:
    • Limited spots remaining (85% full).

Celebrations

All participants enjoy the finish-line festival at Howard Park Winery, complete with live music, food trucks, and celebratory drinks.


Why Choose the Margaret River Ultra Marathon?

  • A bucket-list race with awe-inspiring scenery and a strong sense of camaraderie.
  • Diverse terrains: Forests, beaches, cliffs, and vineyards.
  • Suitable for both experienced ultra runners and trail novices.

Are you ready to create your own story on the Cape to Cape trails? Mark your calendar for this unmissable adventure in May 2025!