Ever jogged through bushland, paddled down a river, swum, and cycled to the soundtrack of horses clip-clopping, all on the same day? Welcome to the Blackwood Marathon Relay: WA’s one-of-a-kind multi-sport adventure that’s been turning the South West into a stage for commitment, connection and camaraderie for nearly half a century.
Running (and cycling, canoeing, swimming, and horse riding) since 1979, this iconic event carries participants across challenging terrain while forging lasting bonds. The 60+ kilometre course snakes from community-centric Boyup Brook to beautiful Bridgetown, following the natural curves of the Blackwood River through dense bushland, private farmland, and winding riverside tracks. Competitors can tackle five disciplines — solo or in a team — including the optional equestrian leg, believed to be the only dedicated horse leg in an Australian multisport relay. Each mile brings a new view, a fresh challenge, and the kind of stunning scenery only found in the South West.
But the relay is just as much about the people as it is the terrain. Now in its 46th edition, Blackwood Marathon Relay has welcomed over 38,000 participants, many of whom return year after year with families, friends, and neighbours passing the baton across generations. Take Mandurah-local Clive Choate, for example, who first participated in 1980 and continues to participate, having formed and managed up to 15 teams over the years. For Clive (and countless others), the relay is more than just a weekend workout: it’s a fixture in the calendar that connects generations.
It’s moments like the mid-race picnic at Jayes Bridge that the spirit of the South West truly shines. Competitors and spectators gather to share stories over sandwiches and cheer on the canoers as they slice across the river below. It’s a welcome pause to catch your breath, connect, and soak in the camaraderie.
Things to do in Perth
Organised and run entirely by volunteers from the Rotary Club of Bridgetown, every pedal, paddle, stride, and hoofbeat channels proceeds back into the community, from youth programs to the development of the Geegelup Village Over 55s Lifestyle & Aged Care facility. Regardless of the time on the stopwatch, the kilometres covered support local resilience and growth.
Then there’s the South West itself. A melting pot of local boutique stays, artisanal goods, burgeoning eateries, and warm, welcoming hospitality, it provides the perfect antidote to the physical challenges of the main event and the ideal excuse to extend your weekend. Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Bridgetown so you can make the most of your time in the region.
It’s all happening on the last Saturday of October, so now’s the time to grab your sneakers (or your saddle) and get training. Registrations are open for solo competitors and teams alike. Come for the challenge, stay for the community and join the tradition that’s heading #To50AndBeyond.
Where: Bridgetown
When: Saturday, October 25th
Sign up here: www.blackwoodmarathon.org
Follow the journey: @blackwoodmarathonrelay
