An inspiring showcase of endurance unfolded in south-west Western Australia as 1,900 determined runners celebrated ‘ultra’ life on the rugged trails of the Margaret River Ultra Marathon, featuring 80km and 42km races across the weekend of Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th May 2025.
The weekend was summed up perfectly by organisers Rapid Ascent;
“We’ve always said that ultra running is more than simply putting one leg in front of the other for an insane amount of time… it’s a celebration of life!” said Sam Maffett, Event Director.
“Every runner out there showed up with grit, grace, kindness and an unshakable zest for life that honestly makes us stop in our tracks and think: how lucky are we to be part of this?” continued Maffett.
The point-to-point course was held along the beautiful Cape to Cape coastline from Hamelin Bay, through to the finish line at Howard Park Wines in Cowaramup. 400 individual competitors ran the 80km ultra marathon; whilst 1,150 runners participated as part of a relay team of 2 to 5 members covering 10-20km each.
The eighth annual event has earned a solid reputation as one of Australia’s premier ultra races, consistently attracting a capacity field from across Australia and abroad.
Carl Harrison of Burns Beach WA, and Surf Coast Century title holder Holly Ranson lapped up every bit of the 80km ultra trail running challenge taking the wins at the eight edition of the event in times of 07:12:28 and 07:23:01, respectively.
Harrison has a newfound love of trail running;
“I’ve always done road running so this is my first year on the trails and I’m really enjoying it!” said Harrison. “It’s a beautiful course but I couldn’t take in as much as I’d like – I would have loved to take a few photos along the way!”
Jack Donovan came in second for the men, with Jack Valentine in third place with times of 7:20:50 and 7:27:44, respectively.
Ranson, who holds the 2024 Surf Coast Century title was also impressed by the courses’ beauty;
“I always underestimate these courses! And I wish I had time to stop at the scenic spots to take it all in, watch the waves – it was just spectacular!”
Kate Baker was only a few minutes behind in second for the women (7:30:29); whilst Petra Jerejian was third in 7:55:15 – illustrating the strength of female’s in the sport of ultra running lately.
Sunday’s 42km trail marathon featured a capacity field of 400 solo runners, who set off from the picturesque Yallingup Beach and journeyed south along the Cape to Cape Track, finishing at the same finish line of Howard Park Winery.
Reigning champion Ben Leeson and the talented Meluka Bancfort were our 2025 winners in obliterating times of 3:28:35 and 4:10:19, both absolutely delighted with the course and distance which joined the event schedule last year.
Leeson backed up his 2024 win with a new course record;
“I definitely knew sub 3:30 was achievable; I just had to get my nutrition right and I felt like I did,” said Leeson. “It’s a brutal but beautiful flowing course and I managed to take it all in!”
Bancroft was all smiles with her win;
“I just ran as hard as I could the whole way; we had great conditions and it was very scenic. Thank you for such a great race,” said Bancroft.
Joining the more serious solo runners over the weekend was a huge contingent of 80km relay teams who eluded enthusiasm from the course itself and later at the finish line; with many teams returning year after year.
“Teams bring so much atmosphere to the place!” said Maffett.
Team Ogging Squad 1 was once again the first relay team to finish the 80km course on Saturday, beating their previous course record by 37 seconds to clock a time of 5:21:34.
Team members included Luke Burrows (Leg 1 and 2), Nick Thompson (Leg 3), Reece Harris (Leg 4), Jack Crago who brought the team home on Leg 5.
“The check point change overs really played in with our course time and made a difference – we had 2 vests on the go so no need to swap those; it was like an art today!” said team captain Thompon.
The ever-changing landscape kept runners energized from start to finish, with the course weaving through towering karri forests, coastal trails, sandy beaches, and windswept bluffs offering sweeping views across the stunning Margaret River region
80km competitors finished well into Saturday night at Howard Park Wines; with festivities continuing on Sunday with the 42km trail marathon and official presentations for both races.
A 2km Kids Run was also held on Sunday morning prior to presentations with over 100 taking part.
“To every runner who toed the line, every supporter who cheered on the sidelines, every volunteer who gave up their time to make this day possible — you are the reason this event feels like magic every year,” expressed Maffett.
“Your humility, determination, and willingness to go deep into the pain cave and still smile at your fellow runners… that’s what makes this more than just a race,” continued Maffett.
The Margaret River Ultra Marathon is supported by WA Government through Tourism Western Australia’s Regional Events Scheme and Royalties for Regions.
“We are proud to support regional mass-participation events like this one, which provide a timely incentive for people to travel to our regional destinations, creating a flow-on effect for local tourism and hospitality businesses,” said Tourism Minister Reece Whitby.
A confirmed date for the 2026 edition of the event will be communicated in the coming weeks, with entries to open in October. The races are once again expected to reach capacity.
Further event information can be found on the Margaret River Ultra Marathon website www.MRUltramarathon.com.au or www.facebook.com/RapidAscentUltraRunningEvents
