15 years of The Trail Running Series – entries now open!

The Trail Running Series in Victoria has opened entries for an exciting 2024 season, marking its 15th year with an array of options and features designed to captivate trail running enthusiasts.

Since its inception in 2011, the Trail Running Series has been at the forefront of trail running in Australia, introducing the sport to the masses and evolving into one of the country’s premier trail running events.

Event organisers Rapid Ascent extend warm invitation to all runners to immerse themselves in the beauty of the trails this winter.

“We are committed to staying engaged, evolving with the times, and delivering off-road races that runners crave,” said Sam Maffett, Event Director at Rapid Ascent.

“What sets the Trail Running Series apart is its longevity. As we embark on our 15th year, it’s the unwavering support of our competitors, supporters, and followers that continually fuels our passion,” added Maffett.

“What sets the Trail Running Series apart is its longevity. As we embark on our 15th year, it’s the unwavering support of our competitors, supporters, and followers that continually fuels our passion,” added Maffett.

Key highlights of the 2024 Series include the selection of three breathtaking wilderness locations, all within a convenient one-hour drive of Melbourne. Each event will feature short, medium, and long course options, catering to runners of all levels, including the most ardent enthusiasts.

A super-social handicap format will again be implemented at Race 3 in Silvan, where participants will start at staggered times based on their pace, ensuring that everyone crosses the finish line together in a unified celebration of trail running.

“We’re flipping the script at Silvan again,” remarked Maffett. “Rather than the standard races where runners start together and finish dispersed, we’re fostering a sense of togetherness with all runners descending on the finish line in unison symbolising the camaraderie that defines our Series.”

The action kicks off with Race 1 at Plenty Gorge, Victoria, on Sunday, June 2nd, followed by Race 2 in Anglesea on Sunday, July 7th, which includes the Friendly 4km. The Series culminates with Race 3, the handicap format, and the Series Finale on Sunday, August 4th, at Silvan in the Dandenong Ranges.

Competitors can expect to revel in the joy of running on lesser-known trails, navigating exhilarating single tracks that meander through awe-inspiring landscapes adorned with towering gum trees, babbling creeks, lush fern-lined valleys, and encounters with indigenous wildlife.

The Series has built a dedicated following of like-minded runners over the years.

More event information here.

Photo credit: Rapid Ascent.