The Urban Athlete with Rapid Ascent Adventure Races

At MOVE we talk a lot about the Urban Athlete, but many ask us, what do you mean? For us it’s simple, an Urban Athlete is anyone that spends some time trying to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. Our Urban Athlete sets their own goals and chases them down. It’s not about how fast, how far, how long, and being compared to others. It’s only about being compared to your own personal goals. Our Urban Athletes are found on every street in every town. They are found stretching on their lounge room. They are found checking how many steps they have done in the day. They are found in their bedroom, grabbing their sports underwear out for their next session. They are found competing in an event run by Rapid Ascent. We’ve signed up to support Rapid Ascent and their events, so check in below to see what they are all about.

 

WHO IS RAPID ASCENT?

 

Rapid Ascent is widely recognised as a leading adventure sports event management company in Australia with a mix of road, off-road, adventure and niche-sport events conducted around the country. Each event is held within spectacular wilderness that provides every competitor with a truly memorable experience.

 

Rapid Ascent has been in operation since 2004 and sets itself apart from other event organisers thanks to our:

• Experience: Rapid Ascent have staged more than 130 events over 15 years ranging from Fun Runs of 12,000+ participants, to niche events such as the Swisse Mark Webber Challenge.
• Customer service: Participants enjoy a supreme level of service and assistance to help achieve their goals.
• World class race courses: Rapid Ascent have extensive experience in creating and managing race courses and are rated second to none.
• Inclusive event atmosphere: We create a welcoming event experience for all participants, spectators and stakeholders.
• We conduct our events with great respect for the competitor and all stakeholders; and run things on time in a way that people can trust.

 

Based in Torquay, Victoria, Rapid Ascent is jointly owned by John Jacoby and Sam Maffett. As experienced athletes themselves, John and Sam are committed to the design and delivery of races by competitors, for competitors.

 

Rapid Ascent Objectives:

• to challenge (and reward) event participants so they learn something about themselves and generate an incredible sense of satisfaction and self-realization.
• to provide participants, their families and spectators with a memorable and fun-filled event experience.
• to educate others on the benefits of being fit and healthy.
• to provide outstanding value to stakeholders, sponsors and participants.
• to respect the environment and educate our participants on the importance of being environmentally aware.

 

 

MULTI DISCIPLINE EVENTS:

 

Augusta Adventure Festwww.augustaadventurefest.com.au

November, Augusta, Western Australia

• The multi-sport races include individual or relay team formats covering off-road running, ocean swimming, kayaking and mountain biking.
• 14 year history and reputation as the World’s biggest adventure race weekend with 2,800+ adult competitors
• Attracts 900 kids’ in the Junior Survivor obstacle course.

 

X-Adventure, Dunsboroughwww.xadventure.com.au

April, Dunsborough, Western Australia

• An off-road triathlon event including ocean swimming, trail running and mountain biking (in that order).
• Widely recognized as the largest off-road triathlon in Australia with 1,500 competitors across all events
• 5 separate races over the weekend to cater for all ages and abilities (long course, short course, aquathlon, kids and groms).
• Set in the spectacular Dunsborough region amongst a stunning backdrop of rocky coastline, clear blue waters and technical single track.

 

TRAIL RUNNING EVENTS:

 

Surf Coast Century www.surfcoastcentury.com.au

September, Anglesea, Victoria

• 100km or 50km solo course options, including the opportunity for a relay team of 2 to 4 people in the 100km.
• One of Australia’s most popular and iconic ultra distance trail running events attracting 1,300 runners.
• Positioned as an ideal event for first time ultra runners, resulting in considerable growth and favour.

 

Margaret River Ultra Marathon www.mrultramarathon.com.au

May, Margaret River, Western Australia

• 80km point to point course open to individuals and relay teams with up to 5 runners.
• After just 2 years it is already one of Australia’s most popular ultras (850 competitors in its’ 2^nd year).
• Close partnership with the tourist hot-spot, Margaret River region

 

Trail Running Series www.trailrunningseries.com.au

June – October, Melbourne

• A series of 5 trail running events held within 1 hour of Melbourne (Victoria). Each race attracts ~950 runners.
• 3 course options on offer at each event: 5-8km short course, 10-14km medium course and 15-23km long course.
• Race 4 at Anglesea coincides with the Surf Coast Century. Together these events attract 2,500 trail runners over the weekend.
• The final event is a night race conducted in the dark followed by celebratory “after party”.

 

Run Larapinta www.runlarapinta.com.au

August, Alice Springs, Northern Territory

• 4 day, 4 stage trail running race in Australia’s Red Centre in Alice Springs. (Long course (128km) and Short course (85km) options).
• Set along the most spectacular sections of the iconic Larapinta Trail in the MacDonnell Ranges.
• Experiencing massive growth in this niche event with 200 runners to participate in 2019

 

MOUNTAIN BIKING EVENTS:

 

The Redback www.theredback.com.au

August, Alice Springs, Northern Territory

• 4 day, 6 stage mountain bike stage race in Australia’s Red Centre at Alice Springs
• Attracts both elite and social riders, with 150 riders participating each year
• Conducted with the support of Tourism NT as they grow their MTB product

 

Bike Buller Festival www.bikebuller.com

March, Mt Buller, Victoria

• A ‘new school’ MTB event with separate races in all popular formats including: Gravity Enduro, X-Country, Downhill, Slope-style, Dual Slalom, Kids and spectators.
• With a 11 year history this event has established Mt Buller as an iconic MTB destination, attracting 600+ riders each year.
• 2-day format held over the Victorian Labour Day long weekend, conducted in a friendly, social atmosphere.

 

Otway Odyssey Mountain Bike Marathon www.otwayodyssey.com.au

February, Forrest, Victoria

• Australia’s most respected mountain bike marathon with a 14 year history
• 5 course options (100km, 50km, 30km, 10km and groms) attracting 1,000+ riders
• Odyssey Angels initiative that supports and encourages greater female participation.
• Includes a huge festival and events expo

 

Great Otway Gravel Grind www.thegogg.com.au

February, Forrest, Victoria

• Held in conjunction with the Otway Odyssey MTB, this gravel ride expands the weekend to a wider audience and the growing fraternity of gravel / road riders
• 2 course options (97km or 49km) attracting 300+ riders
• Marketed as suitable for all types of bikes – road, MTB, gravel and cyclo-cross.