Ultra runners from across the country and as far as China competed in the second annual Great Southern Stage Run held on Thursday 16 to Saturday 18 November 2023 in the Great Southern Region of Western Australia.
The three-day ultra stage running race covered a 200km point to point course along large sections of the famed Bibbulmun Track, from Walpole to Albany, WA.
The wild and rugged, yet spectacular coastline set the stage for the 113 competitors who participated in relay teams; each running between 10km and 24km over the four legs each day. Whilst four heroic competitors – Alan Fisher, Kate Cush, Xiaolin Wang and JianGuo Yang – ran the entire course solo, doing 70km on day 1, 74km on day 2, and 58km day 3.
Kate Cush. Photo: Daniela Tommasi
Kate Cush – a notable ultra distance competitor - put on an outstanding performance across the three days, finishing as the first overall solo winner. Cush returned to the race as an individual runner after getting a taste of the course’s raw beauty in relay team last year.
“That was one of the toughest stage races I’ve done – definitely a big achievement for me,” said Cush. “There are so many beautiful places along this course – you go over the tough sand dunes that would then open up to the most amazing views!”
Organisers Rapid Ascent have a reputation for curating challenging ultra running courses that simultaneously showcase the beauty of the natural environment – taking competitors to places they might not have otherwise experienced.
“It really was fantastic to see so many of our participants relishing in the opportunity to run in an area of Australia rarely visited by people,” said Rapid Ascent Event Director Sam Maffett.
“Over the three-day race we’ve seen limits pushed, horizons broadened, challenges accomplished; and the twinkle of satisfaction at the end of each day!” said Maffett. “Not to mention the genuine enthusiasm and energy felt amongst teams, and the many life-long connections formed at the event.”
The sections of Bibbulmun Track that competitors were treated to encompassed a wild, rugged and incredibly beautiful part of Australia, enroute to the finish line on the Torndirrup Peninsula at Albany on Day 3.
Xiaolin Wang. Photo: Daniela Tommasi
Xiaolin Wang was our first Solo Male runner, taking out the overall individual male win and qualifying for the Everest 135 Extreme Race of which the event is partnered with.
Wang, who travelled to Australia for the first time for the race, finished just 20 minutes overall behind Cush and was seen out on course constantly taking in the moments on film.
Alan Fisher who finished second behind Wang, said it was the view that kept him going; “The views are just incredible! This place is something very special and to see it the way we see it… just fabulous!”
Same Dame But Different. Photo: Daniela Tommasi
Local team ‘Same Dame, But Different’ showed their undying spirit and fervour over the three day event taking out the Relay Team of 4 category. The team hails from Albany and included Andrew De Groot, Richard Miller, Rowena De Groot and Richard Leslie.
Day 1 started at the valley of the Giants in Walpole on the elevated tree-top walk, and finished up at Parry Beach. The 70km course was broken up in to 4 legs of varying distance and had competitors run through a mix of terrain along forests trails, wild back beaches, cliff tops, and rock-hopping. Competitors passed many scenic landmarks such as Conspicuous Beach and Peaceful Bay; and also included a 200m river crossing by canoe!
Day 2’s 74km course began at Parry Beach and included an untimed stint by ferry over Wilson Inlet. Competitors described the day as simply spectacular, running on trails that flowed past picture-postcard beaches and popular landmarks such as Greens Pool and Elephant Rocks.
Day 3 was a staggered start from Cosy Corner with slowest to fastest solo and relay teams, with the aim to all finish the event close together in time for celebratory presentations at Camp Quaranup on in Albany. The trails saw competitors swept across remarkable beach-hugging trails with the Albany Windfarm towering above.
“The handicap format was once again well received, bringing everyone together at the finish line, and maximised the celebrations in the sunshine for all!” said Maffett. “We congratulate all runners on their outstanding achievements her in the Great Southern.”
Participants stayed together at coordinated group accommodation at each day’s finish line, which created a social and supportive environment for all runners and supporters.
The event finished with a celebratory BBQ, free beer and presentations at Camp Quaranup making it a very joyous occasion.
The Great Southern is the largest and most diverse region within Australia’s South West and is supported by the City of Albany and Tourism WA who have helped Rapid Ascent create such a special event. The event also supports the Bibbulmun Track Foundation and their ongoing maintenance and management of the trail.
The Foundation is pleased to announce that it has been awarded $27,871 through the WA Government’s State NRM Program to replace hundreds of dilapidated steps near Lake William.
This section of the Bibbulmun Track in the West Cape Howe National Park provides a key link up a steep coastal sand dune (over 110m vertical climb) to allow the Track to continue along the coastline. It provides spectacular views over the Southern Ocean.
When the Track was constructed 25 years ago, it was recognised that the sand dune would be unstable under foot traffic and over 300 steps were constructed. These steps have been maintained over the life of the track and approximately 100 of the steps have been replaced in recent years by DBCA. The remainder of the steps are now dilapidated due to rot and corrosion of the step materials and need to be replaced to prevent walkers from walking on the sides and creating a wider track and increased erosion.
Due to the remote location of the project, delivery of materials by helicopter is essential.
The work will be carried out after summer and we look forward to working alongside the Binalup Aboriginal Rangers again.
Looking for gift ideas this festive season? We’ve got you covered with our selection of Merry Merch to gift to your loved ones this Christmas.
If you are thinking of gifting something from our range of merchandise, we urge you to order now.
Don't be affected by postage delays - it would be prudent to order online now, or better yet, drop into our office ASAP before we close for the summer.
Christmas merchandise orders must be placed by 10am on Thursday 14th December so they arrive in time.
Our office will close at 12pm on Thursday 14th December 2023 and reopen at 10am on Monday 22 January, 2024.
Better get those walking boots off and get your skates on!
Check the Australia Post Christmas sending times for your parcel to arrive before Christmas.
Thank you to all those who participated in our 25th Anniversary Bibbulmun Track Virtual Hike Challenge!
It's been rewarding and motivating to share this journey with all of you. Together, participants have logged 282,016,329 steps, a daily average of 3,317,840 steps.
106 teams completed the whole length of the virtual Bibbulmun Track from Kalamunda to Albany, 16 of these completed a double end-to-end, three incredible teams completed a triple end-to-end and two mind-blowing achievers completed a quadruple end-to-end. Well done to the teams Pee Mac's Pack, and MeNiMo. What a bunch of legends; you have walked us all into the ground!
We have created an infographic summarising the feedback we've received. We invite you to download it to see the impact of the challenge and the collective journey we have embarked on.
Final Leaderboards
Here are the Top 10 of the challenge leaderboards.
Teams: Total Distance
Pee Mac's Pack
MeNiMo
Camino de Perth
The Wandering Membreys
3Bears
Killer B's
Chariots of Fire
The Walkness Monsters
PH dream team
Bibiddi
Individuals: Total Distance
Pee Mac
me of MeNiMo
Harold Membrey
Mo of MeNi Mo
Adrian
Jessica Smith
Allan
Marri Bear
Jimstar
Stephen Walter
Teams: Average Distance
Pee Mac's Pack
MeNiMo
Boddington Trail Runner
Bibb Buddies
Solo Hiker's Antisocial Hiking Club
Kim
HappyHappy
Slow Hiker
Step Dames
Camino de Perth
We're also thrilled to announce the winners of the following awards:
The Most Funds Raised Award went to Team 'Pee Mac's Pack’. This award honoured the team that went above and beyond in raising funds during the 25th Anniversary Virtual Hike. Each member enjoyed a $54 voucher from Small Things Wine and an exclusive Bibbulmun Track head sock.
The Golden Boots 'Hare' Award went to Team 'Pee Mac's Pack’. This award went to the first team to reach the Southern Terminus or the team that conquered the farthest stretch of the Track if no team reached Albany by the end of the challenge. Each member enjoyed a $300 voucher from Anaconda, a $27 voucher from Small Things Wine, and an exclusive Bibbulmun Track head sock.
The End-to-Enders 'Hare' Award went to Team 'Brave Bravo Birds' as the lucky winner. They were one of the fastest teams to virtually reach the Southern Terminus in Albany by 13th September and entered the prize draw. Each member enjoyed a $200 voucher from Anaconda, a $27 voucher from Small Things Wine, and an exclusive Bibbulmun Track head sock.
The End-to-Enders 'Tortoise' Award went to Team 'Together We Perspire' as the lucky winner. They were one of the teams to virtually reach the Southern Terminus in Albany by 13th September and entered the prize draw. Each member enjoyed a $175 voucher from Paddy Pallin, a $27 voucher from Small Things Wine, and an exclusive Bibbulmun Track head sock.
The Tough Cookie Award went to Pee Mac from Team 'Pee Mac's Pack’. This award recognized the individual who conquered the most kilometres by the challenge's end. He won a $300 voucher from Anaconda, a $27 voucher from Small Things Wine, and an exclusive Bibbulmun Track head sock.
The Half Way There Award went to Team 'Wandering Minstrels' as the lucky winners. They entered the prize draw by reaching the halfway point (DRV) on 11 August. Each member of the team enjoyed a $54 voucher from Small Things Wine.
The On Track to Raise the Most Funds Award went to Team 'Pee Mac's Pack' for raising the most funds by the halfway point (11th August). Each member of the team enjoyed a $27 voucher from Small Things Wine.
The Wordsmith Walkers Award went to Team 'Whatever Floats your Mountain Goats' for having the best/funniest team name, based on tallied points given by our office volunteers. Each member of the team enjoyed a $25 voucher from Paddy Pallin.
The Bird's Eye View Black Cockatoo Award went to Team 'Bibbulmun buddies' as the lucky winner. All teams who kept up with the 25th Anniversary end-to-end walkers and reached Mt Dale by 17th July entered the prize draw for this award. Each member enjoyed a $50 voucher from Paddy Pallin.
The Keep Up the Good Pace Award went to Team 'Tramping Trail Trio' as the lucky winner. They kept up with the 25th Anniversary end-to-end walkers and reached the second milestone, Helena Campsite, by 15th July, entering the prize draw for this award. Each member enjoyed a $50 voucher from Sea to Summit.
The Rapid Rambler Award went to Team 'The Gazelles' for being the quickest team to reach the first milestone, Hewett's Hill Campsite. Each member enjoyed a $25 voucher from Anaconda.
The Picture-perfect Award went to Claire Cardew from Wellard Village People and Terri Walker from Brave Bravo Birds! These selfie superstars showed us how to strike a pose and capture those epic moments during their first walk/run. They enjoyed $25 vouchers from Sea to Summit as their well-deserved treat. Way to go, folks! Your selfie game was on point!
The Lucky Early Bird Award went to Felicity Williamson from 'Tramping Trail Trio' and Paul Mincham from 'Following Dot' as the lucky winners. Both joined the virtual hike challenge before the send-off and entered the Prize draw. Both enjoyed a $100 voucher from Anaconda.
The Survey Participant prize draw award went to Chris King from team Cockatoo Kings as the lucky winner. He entered the prize draw among those who left feedback for our Bibbulmun track Virtual hike challenge. He won a $50 voucher from Paddy Pallin and an exclusive Bibbulmun Track 25th Anniversary Mug.
The Fundraisers prize draw award went to Heather Waugh, Nigel Pilgrim, Carolyn Layton, Kevin Tangey, and Jenny Phillip. Each of them entered the prize draw among those who donated $100.00 and above as part of our 25th Anniversary Fundraising Campaign. Each of the winners received a Nemo Chair sponsored by Paddy Pallin.
Our Thanks to the Sponsors
We want to express our appreciation to our generous sponsors, including Anaconda, Paddy Pallin, Sea to Summit, and Small Things Wine for their support of the Bibbulmun Track Virtual Hike Challenge. Thanks to their contributions, our challenge was filled with positive energy and motivation, adding to the enjoyment for all participants.
Have you Caught the Adventure Bug? Get out on the Track in 'Real Life'
The Bibbulmun Track caters to everyone and every experience from a gentle stroll to an eight-week adventure.
You can make it more of a wilderness experience by camping out, you can join a guided group, or you can explore it in comfort using the varied accommodation in the towns along the way.
The Bibbulmun Track Foundation offers a variety of events to suit all ages and fitness levels. From guided walks to learning how to cook amazing food on a fuel stove, you're sure to find something that interests you! Our events calendar is online here. If you wish to receive monthly updates please contact us.
Expand the Adventure to Your Business
If you'd like us to set up the Challenge exclusively for your organisation please contact us at friends@bibbulmuntrack.org.au for more information.
Thank you again for being a part of the Bibbulmun Track Virtual Hike Challenge.
As the Bibbulmun Track specialists we’ve got some experience when it comes to advising hikers on planning their End-to-End Hike. We’ve found some details can often get overlooked.
Are you going to take the eight Bibbulmun Track maps and the eight guidebooks - or just the maps? Tip: don't carry the ones you don't need, have them sent ahead.
How are you getting to and from the Northern and Southern Terminus or indeed to some of the other Track towns for a sectional end-to-end? Public transport is not available to all towns. See the Getting There section in the Section by Section guide.
Are you up to date with the current situation for each of the four inlet crossings on the south coast? See the Inlet section in the Section by Section guide for Walpole and Denmark/Albany.
Where will you stay in each of the Track towns? There are no Bibbulmun Track campsites in the towns. You will need to look into accommodation options. You'll find a number of accommodation options on our Track town pages.
What is your training plan? At the very least you should plan to walk a few short sections of the Track to establish a walking routine, test your gear and check the appropriateness of your food.
Have you considered safety measures by leaving your itinerary with someone responsible at home? Ensure regular contact, carry a PLB (don't rely on mobile phones), carry an appropriate first aid kit, be first aid trained, and ensure you fill out the green log book at each campsite. The Police are the first point of contact in an emergency.
How will you pay for your food supplies? EFTPOS facilities and ATMs may not be available in all towns so carry sufficient cash for your trip for supplies, phone calls etc.
What will you do with your rubbish? If you pack it in, then you pack it out. Foil and cans don’t burn and plastic bags release toxins into the atmosphere when burnt - so please don't do it. Leave No Trace!
