Bridgetown Rotary’s LiveLighter Blackwood Marathon to return in 2022 on October 29

The lower South West is gearing up for its major annual marathon event which is expected to bring more than 2000 people to the Blackwood region.

More than 470 teams of runners, canoeists, horsemen and women and cyclists will complete the course that comprises five legs from Boyup Brook to Bridgetown in the LiveLighter Blackwood Marathon Relay on October 29.

By the end of the relay participants will have covered 53.4km of the Blackwood River Valley.

Competitors will be in teams of five, with one person competing in each of the five categories: running, horse riding, canoeing, swimming and cycling.

More than 13 people have chosen to compete in the iron man or woman category.

Bridgetown Rotary president Colin Booth said the Blackwood Marathon was back with a few exciting changes this year after COVID.

He said changes included a lunch hub at Jayes Bridge in Boyup Brook with a picnic-like atmosphere, live entertainment at the end of the course, and slight adjustments to the running section to keep competitors on quieter, more scenic tracks.

“It’s been a bit of a challenge this year; we’ve had a few changes but it’s going to be a great day,” he said.

Mr Booth said Bridgetown Rotary thanked all the volunteers who had already given so much of their time to the event.

The race will be held from 9am to 2.30pm, with presentations starting at 6pm, when a licensed bar and various eats and refreshments will be available.

The entry fee is $325 for each team and $160 for the iron man/woman, plus booking fee. Entries are due on October 24.

Money raised from the relay will help fund Bridgetown Rotary Club projects.

For more information, visit blackwoodmarathon.org.