74km, 42.195km, 21.1km, 10km and 5km all happening on the same day? We’re not messing around with you, mate!
The mass running event will be held in Port Douglas, North Queensland, Australia on Sunday, 1 November 2015. With temperatures fluctuating between 19 and 24 °C in ‘tropical beach season’, this reef and rainforest destination boasts lots of clear blue skies during the day and comfortable, balmy temperatures in the evening.
Competitive events include: 74KM JCU Ultra Marathon, 42.195km Steve Moneghetti Marathon, 21.1km Sheraton Mirage Half Marathon, 10km Newsport Daily and 5KM Bendigo Bank 5000. There will also be a free non-competitive 2.5KM Coles Junior Challenge on the following Sunday for children under 14.
All courses will be on flat ground, except for the marathon and ultramarathon, which include a 2km incline over 380m up the infamous “Bump Track”. Starting and finishing at Port Douglas, the ultramarathon’s new course will also feature a stunning, undulating 51km trail into Black Mountain, through the Mowbray and Kuranda National Parks.
Beginning at the gorgeous Four Mile Beach, marathoners, half-marathoners and 10km runners will face courses in mixed environments which, depending on the distance, will cover asphalt, sand, grass and gravel and terrain. They will feast their eyes on the amazing scenery and diverse sights, including the Crocodile Creek, sugar cane fields and rustic train tracks. After their heroes’ finish, they are all invited to celebrate at the After Party held in Central Hotel.
The leading male and female runners in each age category in all competitive events will be awarded prizes. Every finisher will take home a commemorative medal and the ultrarunners will even get a 10 minute massage to boot.
Register
Registrations will close on Monday, 26 October 2015 at 12:30 PM (Brisbane, GMT+10:00). However, if you’re willing to take the risk and miss your chance to participate at all, online registrations close on Friday, 30 October at 12 noon. Last-minute in person registrations are also available the day before and on race day for some events.
Early Bird registration ends on 31 August and prices for the longest to shortest distances are: A$200, A$152, A$112, A$56 and A$28. A$20 from every registration in the 21km, 42.2km and 74km Ultra Marathon are donated to the RUN FOR REEF fund, an initiative to conserve the Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World.
Psst! Book the 6 night Sheraton Mirage package and receive 50% off the race sale price! Sweet!
Check out the official website for the Great Barrier Reef Marathon for more information and to watch their epic race video to find out what you’re in for.
