The Trail Running Series Goes Ahead on Sunday June 20th

Press Release / 16.06.2021

The much anticipated 2021 Trail Running Series, organised by Rapid Ascent, gets the go-ahead for Race 1 this Sunday 20th June at Yarra Bend in Melbourne, Victoria, after having to reschedule the series opener due to the recent COVID-restrictions.

With the latest Government restrictions easing in metropolitan Melbourne at 11:59pm Thursday 17 June and following the public advice given by Acting Premier James Merlino at his recent press conference, organisers Rapid Ascent can confirm the race will proceed, albeit with a few adjustments.

“We have tried to stay positive and confident that Race 1 would go ahead on its rescheduled race date,” said Sam Maffett, Rapid Ascent General Manager.

“We believe our determination and willingness to adapt to the ever-changing COVID situation has put us in a position where we are now able to proceed with limited notice.”

As announced by the Victorian Government, public events such as the Trail Running Series are permitted to proceed because it complies with the Public Events Framework, and will adhere to the strict COVID-safe guidelines.

Rapid Ascent’s approach has always been to pursue every opportunity for their events to be conducted and for the competitors to be able to achieve their running goals, especially after a roller coaster year of 2020 and the latest 2021 roadblocks.

“We are looking forward to welcoming runners back to the trails, fresh-air and natural landscapes that the Series encompasses,” said Maffett.

Race 1 will feature three courses; a 5km short course, 11km medium course and 15km long course, with competitors to be broken into smaller wave start groups to comply with the 20 person maximum group size limit.

With a number of format adjustments to ensure the event fulfills the COVID-safe advice, the race’s ethos remains the same as always – for competitors to become fully immersed in nature, to run on little known trails and to pass through breathtaking landscapes - all in a friendly event atmosphere.

A copy of the Race Day COVID-safe Plan within the Event Program can be viewed HERE.

Heading into its’ eleventh year, the overall Series features five trail run races at a range of beautiful wilderness locations all within an hour’s drive of Melbourne. It continues to lead the way as one of Australia’s most popular trail running events.

Competitors can enter all races or choose just the races that suit them. These include:

·RACE 1 Yarra Bend - Sunday 20 June: 5km / 11km / 15km

·RACE 2 Smiths Gully - Sunday 11 July: 7km / 14km / 18km

·RACE 3 Anglesea - Sunday 8 August: 8km / 15km / 23km and NEW Friendly 4km

·RACE 4 Werribee Gorge (NEW VENUE) - Sunday 19 Sept: 6km / 9km / 14km

·RACE 5 Silvan - Sunday 17 October: 7km / 15km / 21km and Kids Run

Rapid Ascent looks forward to kicking things off at Race 1, and welcoming competitors back to the trails. Further event can be found on the website at www.TrailRunningSeries.com.au with entries staying OPEN online right up until race morning.