By Caleb Radford
A boutique marathon through some of the world’s most pristine and unspoilt wilderness has enlisted a rising South Australian Olympic star to help put it on the map.
The Kangaroo Island Marathon is one of Australia’s newest long-distance events and is gearing up for its second running in late August.
South Australian Olympian Jess Trengove, who will run in the Women’s Marathon in Rio just days before the August 26 event, is the official ambassador of the Kangaroo Island race.
The 42km event will take runners along the island’s rugged southwest coast and through the Flinders Chase National Park, which includes the iconic Remarkable Rocks, Admiral’s Arch and Cape du Couedic lighthouse.
Runners taking part in the inaugural 2015 Kangaroo Island Marathon
Trengove is currently training for the Rio Olympics in the United States.
“The rolling hills means this race isn’t about fast times, but it’s about running amongst the natural beauty of one of Australia’s best kept secrets,” she says.
“It’s one of the only marathons in the world where you will literally be overtaken by a kangaroo.”
Running amongst the natural beauty of one of Australia’s best kept secrets
Race Director Nathan Godfrey says the event is the perfect opportunity for local and international runners to disconnect from everyday life and experience some of the best landscapes South Australia has to offer.
“It’s truly an international event and so far there are seven countries represented at the marathon, Belgium, Finland, America, England, Singapore, Malaysia and New Zealand, “says Nathan.
“It’s a great honour to have Jessica as our new ambassador. We couldn’t be prouder to have a local South Australian heading up this event.”
Kangaroo Island Marathon ambassador Jess Trengove at Remarkable Rocks
Last year’s inaugural race featured 98 competitors. This year’s event is expected to attract about 120.
“The message for us is to encourage people to meet personal goals, build friendships and enjoy a very Australian experience,” says Nathan.
“It will definitely tick off all the boxes of an adventure tourism event.”
The South Australian Tourism Commission and Tourism Kangaroo Island are working to develop the event further, expanding the half and full marathon events to include an ultra marathon – The Wild Roo.
The proposed ultra marathon event would utilise the new wilderness trail currently under construction at Flinders Chase National Park.
Registrations for the 2016 Kangaroo Island Marathon are open at the event website.
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