The running scene in Western Australia has matured significantly over the past few years. What was once a collection of simple weekend rallies has evolved into an exciting calendar of well-organised and respected endurance events. A variety of scenery stretching from the granite trails of the Darling Scarp all the way to the coastal paths of the southwest provide excellent running space.
When evaluating what makes a truly high quality and inclusive event for Hostility tribe Society, we look at six basic aspects:
- Location and course design: A true trail experience favors flowing singletrack, stunning views, and logical paths (point-to-point or large loops rather than loops). Gorgeous courses open up private land that is normally inaccessible or connect several national parks and reserves.
- Cultural and environmental focus: Events that show true respect for the earth by using recycled or upcycled materials, supporting initiatives such as planting trees, and incorporating meaningful thanks to country and other cultural educational opportunities.
- Comprehensiveness: Operational options that welcome all, including scholarships for athletes, pregnancy deferrals, women-friendly aid stations equipped with sanitary gear, a wide range of distances, adaptation/disability classes, team options, and generous layover times that accommodate hikers.
- Elite competition: The ability to attract a steep field, offer a real money prize pool, and attract competitive interstate or even international racers.
- Visuals and media production: Bring the race to life for viewers with live broadcasts, real-time tracking maps, podcasts and a visible and active social media presence.
- Scope, Branding and Communications: Professional presentation on race day, distinctive event branding, organized event village, and clear and transparent communications from organizers before and during the event.
Based on these balanced considerations, here are the current rankings of the top five ultramarathons in Western Australia.
- transcendence (“the great ascent”)
- month: August
- Website: transcendtrails.com
- Distances and options: 65 km ultra (individual or 2-5 people in relay teams), 40 km walk or run, 28 km walk or run, 12 km walk or run, 6 km walk, run or adaptive wheelchair, Kids Dash.
Transcend takes the top spot on our list because it meticulously addresses all six event pillars, balancing technical competitive racing with a modern, community-minded approach to event management.
- Course: This 65 km point-to-point trail through the Avon Valley provides unique trail access. About 40% of the route crosses private property closed to the public, linking Waleonga National Park, Jumbuk Regional Park, Avon Valley National Park, and the steep, restricted terrain of Baruna Wildlife Reserve.
- Culture and environment: The race places great emphasis on sustainability and respect. Racers participate in the “Give, Gain & Grow” initiative, which requires photographic proof of collecting five pieces of track waste for their race bib collection. The journey also carries strong cultural significance, as it begins at dawn on the Wadijuk Noongar land and travels along the Avon River (com. gogoljar) through to Ballardong country.
- Elites and the media: The event supports its competitive field with a very attractive prize pool in Australian dollars. For viewers, Transcend offers a full YouTube live stream with professional commentary, a responsive tracking platform, and an accompanying podcast series. The arrogant few.
- Comprehensiveness and presentation: The event offers everything from elite scholarships and an adaptive wheelchair class (within a 6K distance) to kids’ police, team relays, and generous cutoffs for hikers. With clean branding and excellent race day logistics, it is a very polished event.
- Margaret River Ultra Marathon (“Coastal Cruiser”)
- month: maybe
- Website: mrutramarathon.com.au
- Distances and options: 80 km individual relay race, 80 km team relay race (2 to 5 members), 42 km individual track marathon, 2 km children’s race.
The Margaret River Ultra Marathon is one of the premier events on the calendar, highly regarded for its coastal scenery, seamless logistics, and large event scale.
- Course: The point-to-point route runs 80 km from Hamelin Bay to Howard Park Winery. It’s an exceptionally scenic ride that takes riders through towering karri forests, along cliff tops, and right across hard sand beaches, providing a classic Southwestern trail experience.
- Scope and scale: This event is the highest attended track event in the state. Although it does not offer a cash prize pool, its reputation and quality brand consistently attracts a deep competitive field of local and interstate runners looking to test themselves on a fast, flowing coastal trail.
- Hostility experience: It serves as a large-scale running festival but maintains a relaxed and accessible atmosphere. The inclusion of 2-5 person relay options makes the distance manageable for less experienced runners, and the event is supported by clear pre-race communications, reliable split timing tracking, and a well-presented finishing area at the Howard Park Winery.
- Rave West 200 Miler (“The Wilderness Odyssey”)
- month: (He walks)
- Website: deliriouswest200miler.com.au
- Distances and options: 200 miles (348 km), 100 miles (178 km), 60 km ultra, 34 km trail run, 8 km trail run.
For runners looking for an extended linear ride through remote terrain, Delirious WEST stands out as a unique test of endurance and event logistics.
- Course: The point-to-point trail runs from Northcliffe to Albany, and uses the southern sections of the historic Bibbulmun Trail. It connects several national parks and reserves, guiding riders through dense wilderness, coastal scrub, and the massive trees of the Valley of the Giants.
- Competition and society: As a 200-mile flagship event, it attracts a dedicated field of national and international ultra-endurance runners. The presentation of the event is highly professional, and requires careful communication and support systems to keep runners safe over several days.
- Media and tracking: Due to the vast distances, organizers use high-resolution satellite tracking maps. This has created a very active online community of ‘point spotters’ across Australia who follow the progress of the race in real time, day and night.
- Ultra Wild Boar (“Pure Playground”)
- month: November
- Website: Feralpigultra.com.au
- Distances and options: 100 miles (162 km), 100 km, 50 miles, 50 km, 23 km, 5 km dash for kids.
Feral Pig Ultra serves theater owners directly, with an emphasis on self-reliance, community spirit, and a minimal environmental footprint.
- Course: The race is located in the Darling Scarp, and uses a combination of large loops and point-to-point sections. It holds a special conservation permit to operate within the protected national parks along the northern parts of the Bibbulmun Trail, ensuring a true unpaved trail experience.
- Environmental Stewardship: Organizers maintain a strict “Leave No Trace” policy and strict mandatory equipment checks to ensure the ancient jarrah forests remain protected from environmental damage.
- Inclusivity and culture: While the 100-mile distance features a midnight start and challenging terrain, the event is very well-rounded. It offers a wide range of shorter distances so runners of all levels, as well as hikers, can participate. Communication during race day is clear and welcoming, promoting a relaxed and supportive local culture.
- Six Inch Trail Marathon (“The Grassroots Foundation”)
- month: December
- Website: 6inchtrailmarathon.com
- Distances and options: 46km Marathon, 23km Half Marathon (often referred to as the “3’ Half”).
Dwellingup – Destination Murray
Rounding out the top five is the Six Inch Run, a historic race that serves as a cornerstone of Western Australia’s local running community.
- Course and competition: The point-to-point event runs 46km along the Munda Pedi Track from North Dundalup to Dwellingup, offering a classic and unrepeated course. It doesn’t rely on corporate branding or live streaming, but it consistently attracts one of the sharpest and most competitive fields of the season.
- Experience: Six Inch is built on clear, honest communications and a passionate volunteer network. Although there is no prize money on offer, the event has huge prestige within the running community. The main criterion for elite runners is entry into the esteemed Sub-4 Hour club – a goal that requires excellent speed on a historically hot and undulating course. It remains a grassroots favorite that is finely tuned and has a lot of presence.
Marvel there and come explore some of the best events in Washington!
