42KM Course Map & Description

A NEW 42km trail marathon along this spectacular coastline…

Maybe you’ve been a team runner in the 80km ultra and want to step up, or if maybe 80km is too long to go solo – than the new 42km Trail Marathon is the prefect way to be involved with this incredible weekend at Margaret River (OR do the Grand Slam and run both the 80km and 42km solo over the weekend!)  

42KM COURSE SUMMARY

Course distance: 42.4km Yallingup to Howard Park

Elevation gain and loss: 1,000m ascent / 880m descent

Format: solos running the full 42km themselves  

Water point summary (more details below):

  • WP1: 6.3km  – Yallingup + support crew access point
  • WP2: 13km – Wyadup Rd + support crew access point
  • WP3: 24km – Moses Rocks car park
  • WP4: 35km – at the Juniper Rd junction
  • FINISH: 42.4km – Howard park finish line 

The Margaret River Trail Marathon is only open to solo runners who complete the full course themselves (no relay teams)

42KM COURSE MAP

PUT THE MAPS ON YOUR PHONE: Scan the QR Code above (or click here) to download the terrific CAPRA mapping app and receive the 42km map on your phone. (Follow the prompts to create an account and you’ll find the map in the app’s ‘Library’).

COURSE DESCRIPTION AND HIGHLIGHTS

Section 1 – 6.3km: Start to WP1 at Yallingup (6.3km total)

All runners start on the beautiful white sandy beach at Yallingup – with the turquoise water of the lagoon on one side and the cheering crowds of spectators on the other, itis sure to provide an inspiring start to this spectacular course.

Runners head north along the beach for 500m and then onto the Cape to Cape track for 2km to the base of the famed Mt Duckworth climb, a challenging 1km ascent on a sandy 4WD track that’ll truly get your heart and lungs pumping (if they weren’t already!). The course loops around the Yallingup village with a fast 4WD track descends that takes you past the spectators and crowds who’ll clap and cheer you on like mad! Top up at the water point or grab something from your support crew and carry on.

Section 2 – 6.7km: WP1 at Yallingup (6.3km)  to  WP2 at Wyadup Rd (13km total)

Leaving the crowds at Yallingup behind, the course continues south on the Cape to Cape track, around the headland and along the length of iconic Smiths Beach on its silver sand. The next section includes some of the most spectacular running of the entire Cape to Cape track as you weave through granite domes and boulders that feels like a game of hide and seek in a huge adventure playground!

Continue up and around Canal Rocks and you’re suddenly running through limestone around Wyadup Bay and into WP2 at end of Wyadup Road – the last point where support crews can assist you before the finish.

Section 3 – 9km: WP2 at Wyadup Rd (13km) to WP3 at Moses Rocks car park (24km total)

After WP2 the course heads into more remote and untamed country as you continue south along the Cape to Cape. After a short section on Wyadup Beach the trail rounds Cape Clairaut with the next 7km providing spectacular running along an untouched coastline – past secret beaches and across the top of small limestone cliffs.

With the Indian Ocean stretching out to the right, the hinterland to the left and just the single track in front of you – this section provides a great escape from the every day. Fill up at the Moses Rock WP (no support crew access) and keep on rolling!

Section 4 – 11km: WP3 at Moses Rocks car park (24km) to WP4 at Juniper Road (35km total)

The trail continues its lost world vibe as you continue south from Moses Rock, climbing away from the coastline to reveal magnificent views down to Honeycomb Beach and south towards North Point and Gracetown. Dropping down to the coastline at Biljedup Creek and then climbing up again to round the Wilyabrup Sea Cliffs, this section includes a number of short climbs and descents and will start to eat at your energy now that we’re deep into the race.

At the 33.8km pt the 42km course joins the 80km course as you turn away from the Cape to Cape Track and commence a 1.2km gradual climb on a sandy double track leading to WP4 at Juniper Road (no support crew access).

Section 5 – 7.4km: WP4 at Juniper Road (35km) to Howard Park (42.4km total)

[The next 4km are all on private property and should not be completed outside race day – continue along Juniper Rd in training.]

The course now weaves its way through some private property with some soft sections of sand that drain the life from your soul – but you’re within spitting distance of the finish line and the trail soon enough turns to hard pack tracks as you cross Caves Road and score a few easy kilometres on 2WD roads lined with beautiful trees.

Entering into the Howard Park winery, the course goes alongside their famous vines and then into the celebratory finish chute on the grass right in front of the cellar door. WOW – congratulations on completing an amazing run. 

It’s such an amazing event, fantastic atmosphere throughout the course and the finish line is electric. Unreal views over a tough and diverse course. It really is one of the best events in Australia – Andrew, 2021 Competitor

ON COURSE WATER POINTS

The following nutrition and hydration will be available for 42km runners at each water point (WPs):

  • Tailwind Endurance Fuel sports drink – premixed at their recommended strength of 200cals per 500ml
  • Sandwiches – sweet (eg. jam) and savoury (eg. vegemite and cheese)
  • Bananas, oranges and watermellon
  • Banana cake and/or honey and oat slice
  • Snakes and lollies
  • Small packets of potato crisps or Shapes (salty)

We will also take your own drop bags with your personal items to each water point and return.

COURSE TERRAIN AND TEXTURES

In the same way that the course passes through a range of landscapes, the terrain under foot also has plenty of variety with anything from hard pack dirt through to soft sand passing under your feet. 

Being a coastal race, sand is an overriding trail feature – but in comparison to the 80km ultra, the 42km course does not include any long sections on super soft sandy beaches. Most of the sand is along sections of the Cape to Cape walking track which includes some sandy sections, but also rocky, firm and other mixed terrain – all making for an interesting and engaging run.