Victorian Trail returns for 2019

ENTRIES to this year’s Trail Running Series opened on April 24, with a number of early registrations proving a positive sign for the 2019 event.

The annual Trail Running Series consists of five events, from 5km to 23km distances held within striking distance of Melbourne, giving participants the choice of short, medium and long courses at each event to cater to all skill levels.

“Our events are specifically tailored to be achievable by the average runner and we’ve located them all within an hour of an urban centre, so they are accessible, too,” event director Sam Maffett said, noting many trail-running events are held in remote areas.

“Part of trail running is about getting into these pristine environments and appreciating them on foot. But we have to provide stepping-stone events,” Mr Maffett said.

“We wanted to create these opportunities for runners to enjoy trail running and the many benefits it can bring to theirs lives – the endorphins, the fitness and health and importantly the friendly social vibes and friendships,”

The Trail Running Series – managed by event management group Rapid Ascent – will cover single tracks in Plenty Gorge, Smiths Gully, Silvan, Anglesea and Yarra Bend. Participants will run on tracks, dirt roads and fire trails.

This year will mark the ninth year of the Trail Running Series, with more than 1,200 first timers and experienced athletes taking part.

The Saturday night race will return as part of the finale with some unforeseen course tweaks, new competitions and bush running in store for participants.

Sonia O’Sullivan, 2018 series competitor, said the Trail Running Series is unlike other races.

“It’s great to have the opportunity to run a race in places like these. It’s the freedom of running through the trails that make it so spectacular,” she said.

The five races will take place in June, July, August, September and October. For more details or to register, visit TrailRunningSeries.com.au.