Margaret River Ultra Marathon shaping up to be a star studded competition

Athletes are gearing up for one of Australia’s most in-demand races as the Margaret River Ultra Marathon looms.

An estimated 1500 athletes are expected to descend this Saturday to push themselves to their absolute limits running 80km between Hamelin Bay and Wilyabrup.

With only a handful of days left before go-time, the marathon is set to be a star-studded event with multiple previous winners returning.

Perth’s Justin Scarvaci will return to defend his 2019 and 2020 titles after being forced to pull out of the 2021 race due to injury.

Scarvaci will have hot competition from Shane Johnson and Joshua Chugg, who tailed him in his 2019 and 2020 wins respectively, while 2021 silver medallist Joshua Kuhn is set to add some flair to the race.

The women’s solo is set for an exciting battle between Surf Coast Century ultra marathon champions Anna McKenna and Sarah Ludowici.

WA’s Scarlett Duncan will challenge McKenna and Ludowici as the only one of the trio to have experienced the breath-taking Cape to Cape track.

Once again organised by Rapid Ascent, general manager Sam Maffett said this year would see a self-imposed entry limit in an effort to preserve the Cape to Cape experience for competitors.

“We are overwhelmed by the enthusiasm for the race this year,” he said.

“The people, the places, the faces, the stories, the flowing celebratory beverages... we can’t wait to share in their journey.”

Competitors will finish well into the night at Howard Park Wines, with presentations and a 2km Kids Run set to be held on Sunday morning from 9am.

The main race will consist of a solo 80km men and women’s competition and a relay team competition.

For more information, visit the Rapid Ascent Ultra Running Events Facebook page.