Registration is now open for the 2011 edition of the Kona Mawson MTB Marathon which has moved to a new date in mid-August.
The unique event is in its second year and will offer a 367km course across the Flinders Ranges in South Australia. The twist? Participants can either tackle the distance over four separate stages (August 17-20) or as one ultra marathon as a pair on August 20.
The course begins in Blinman and concludes in Melrose. The 2011 edition of the race will add Cyclocross and two age categories to expand the event for its second running.
“The 2011 Kona Mawson MTB Marathon is a unique event. There is $30,000 cash up for grabs and riders can choose to take on the challenge in 4 stages or all in one go, making it like no other race in the southern hemisphere,” said Christian Haag of BikeSA, who are organising the event.
“This year we aim to cater a broader audience by adding Cyclocross, two age categories – Open and 40yrs and over, which we’re calling the Mawson Masters.”
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Map showing the start and finish locations of the 2011 Kona Mawson MTB Marathon
Organisers have also shifted the date of the event from June to a spot in mid-August to avoid clashes with other events and encourage more riders to attend the event.
The inaugural edition of the non-stop version of the race was taken out by Chris Jongewaard and Brett Anderson in a little over 14 hours and nine minutes. Participants in the stage race will be in Melrose in time to see the first non-stop riders cross the line on August 20.
“After the inaugural event, we received lots of valuable feedback from riders,” explained Haag. “Most notably is the change of dates – this year the Kona Mawson MTB Marathon will be held from 17 to 21 August, hereby avoiding clashes with other major races.”
While not facing as stern a test as their non-stop colleagues stage race riders will have plenty of opportunity to test themselves, with extra challenges set at each of the four Staging Posts, including a Time Trial and King of the Mountain challenge. In addition the event will offer up a AU$30,000 prize pool.
The Kona Mawson MTB Marathon will also again be filmed for 60-minute documentary scheduled for global TV broadcast, exposing the event and the majestic Flinders Ranges to over 400 million households around the world.
2011 Kona Mawson MTB Marathon stage details:
Stage 1 – August 17, 93km Blinman to Rawnsley Park
Stage 2 – August 18, 91km Rawnsley Park to Hawker
Stage 3 – August 19, 107km Hawker to Quorn
Stage 4 – August 20, 71km Quorn to Melrose
For more information or to register for the event please visit the event website.