Trail Running Series offers new challenge

RAPID Ascent’s Trail Running Series typically comes to Anglesea each year, but in 2020 the event will be held virtually for the first time in its 10-year history.

Participants will be able to enter in 5, 10 or 15-kilometre runs for the next two legs of the series. The course is of their choosing, with the only requirement being they respect social distancing rules.

Rapid Ascent event manager Sam Maffett said the races were being held because of the present situation rather than in spite of it.

“It is more important than ever to continue doing the sports we love and to engage with our trail running community.

“Whilst we can’t run footstep after footstep together physically due to coronavirus restrictions, we can still run for ourselves and then share the fun, laughs and the experience with each other through this new virtual race experience.”

The races have both been scheduled on Sundays, the first on June 14 and the second on July 12. Both will begin at 9am.

A variety of user-friendly services, including Facebook Live, ZOOM, Strava and Race Map live tracking will be used to bring participants together.

Maffet said this would allow participants to share the experience despite being physically apart.

“The easy to use technology lets us race with one another and build camaraderie on the trails like never before.”

Maffet also noted a benefit of the virtual events is the flexibility in how people participate in them.

“We runners race over trails, but you are equally welcome if you can only do laps of the local basketball court or suburban streets outside your front door. So no matter what restrictions we have at the time, these events will go ahead.”

Prizes will be awarded for things such as who climbs the most vert in their race distance, or uploads the most creative photo.

Rapid Ascent are planning on holding two to three physical events between October this year and January 2021. Depending on the situation with the coronavirus, this may include the Anglesea leg of the series.

Entries for the virtual races are now open, starting at $15 per person.

People can register at trailrunningseries.com.au.