Entries open for The Trail Running Series presented by The North Face

Entries open today to Australia’s most popular series of off-road runs – The Trail Running Series presented by The North Face that is conducted by renowned event managers Rapid Ascent.

The Trail Running Series offers runners of all abilities a mix of five short distance trail runs at a range of beautiful wilderness locations all within an hour drive of Melbourne from June through to October.
The Series has also undergone a refresh in 2017 with new locations, updated courses, new kids runs, new sponsors and a whole lot more in store.

Over its seven year history this incredibly popular series has revolutionised trail running in Australia with its short distance trail runs that are welcoming and accessible for runners of all fitness levels. Each race attracts hundreds of runners from first timers through to elite racers, all of whom enjoy the thrill of taking their running off-road in a welcoming race atmosphere.

Each event includes a short course race that varies in length between 5km and 7km, a medium course race of between 10km and 15km and a long course race that starts at 15km and extends to 23km at its longest. Competitors can enter all races or choose just the races that suit them.

The 2017 Series commences with two new races - Race 1 at Westerfolds Park, Templestowe in June, and Race 2 at Smiths Gully in the Yarra Valley in July.

Event manager Sam Maffett said he expected the two new locations to be extremely popular amongst runners who will enjoy exploring these new trail running areas included in the 2017 Series.

“You can become fully immersed in nature on these little known trails with their sweeping single track, grassy woodlands and amazing views. It’s always exciting to explore somewhere new, and that’s exactly why we’ve spread our wings and introduced the new races in 2017,” Maffett said.

The Series continues in August with the return of Race 3 at Silvan that will include an all-new 2.2km Kids Run that will add even more fun to this already very popular event. Race 4 at Anglesea on the Surf Coast in September will also include a new medium course race and a new Kids Run to keep our youngsters encouraged. The Series then concludes in October where runners can celebrate the return of the spectacular night race at Kew’s Studley Park.

“The Series has brought trail running into the lives of so many new people over the years. We hope to welcome many more in 2017 as well as see the return of many familiar faces. We love this Series and the feeling in the trail running community echoes that 100 percent.

“Our new partnership with presenting partners The North Face also reflects our innate need to explore, and we are extremely happy to join forces with this reputable company that has contributed significantly to the development of the sport here in Australia,” said Maffett.

The North Face boasts a long history in trail running; producing trail-specific footwear, clothing and equipment for trail runners in Australia for over 10 years.

Stephen Winnacott of The North Face said he was extremely excited to be partnering with The Trail Running Series to continue The North Face’s legacy of trail running events in Australia, and to be doing this for the very first time in Victoria.

“We aim to encourage more people to discover the joy of running trails, assist in equipping them with the right gear for their trail endeavours, whilst contributing to the overall development of trail running as a sport in the region.”

Further details on The Trail Running Series can be found at the event website atwww.TrailRunningSeries.com.au with entries now open for these five popular events.