Put the new Run Bibbulmun Track Stage Race on your bucket list
Lace up your shoes and mark your calendars because the revamped Run Bibbulmun Track Stage Race is back and better than ever for solo runners on November 15th to 17th, 2024.
The 3-day, 3-stage trail running race promises an unforgettable experience for individual runners amidst the rugged coastline, remote beaches, and windswept granite cliffs of the famed Bibbulmun Track in the Great Southern Region of Western Australia.
Entries are open and have already exceeded expectations with 50% of spots already claimed within a week of opening. Organisers Rapid Ascent have self-imposed a field limit of 200 solo runners in order to preserve the natural environment and ensure an exceptional experience for all.
The new and improved format of the previously named Great Southern Stange Run held in 2022 and 2023, has been designed to be simpler and more inclusive for participants of all abilities.
Runners are invited to tackle the challenge as individuals over the 3 day, 3 stage event, eliminating the need to organise team members. Two race distances are on offer – a Long Course covering 33 – 39km per day; and a Short Course spanning 17 – 24km per day.
General Manager of Rapid Ascent Sam Maffett is stoked with the new format and enthusiasm shown so far;
“The Great Southern region is one of Australia’s best kept secrets when it comes to trail running locations,” said Maffett. “It truly is a remarkable course in a remarkable setting, and we wanted to share it to a broader range of runners and make it even more accessible!”
“With the rush on entries already, this is the stuff we live for and we’re stoked so many of our fellow runners share our passion for adventure and hardship in beautiful landscapes,” said Maffett.
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 it’s own field limit with hours.
Runners will traverse the best sections of the Bibbulmun Track, immersing themselves in the raw beauty of the landscape while experiencing the exhilaration of elevated heart rates and flowing endorphins. Popular landmarks such as Greens Pool and Elephant Rock are also on the courses, providing runners with varied and captivating landscapes throughout the race.
Winner of the 2023 race and notable ultra distance competitor Kate Cush said of the course;
“That was one of the toughest stage races I’ve done – definitely a big achievement for me,” said Cush. “There are so many beautiful places along this course – you go over the tough sand dunes that would then open up to the most amazing views!”
Based in Denmark (WA), competitors will stay in one location throughout the entirety of the race, ensuring simple logistics and allowing for relaxation each afternoon after completing the day’s run.
“One of the key changes for 2024 is that no support crew will be needed by the individual competitors,” said Maffett. “We’ll be providing transport for each stage, allowing everyone to focus solely on the running without the hassle of support crew arrangements.”
The Great Southern is the largest and most diverse region within Australia’s South West, with the event supporting the Bibbulmun Track Foundation and their ongoing maintenance and management of the trail.
With limited entries remaining, interested runners are encouraged not to miss their chance to be part of this extraordinary event that celebrates running, nature, and camaraderie in one of Australia’s most stunning regions.
For more information and to secure your spot, visit www.runbibbulmun.com.au, or join the conversation on the Facebook chat group HERE.
