Course Description and Maps

EVENT PROGRAM: Here is the official Event Program for the 2024 XTERRA Dunsborough triathlons and trail runs. This fully explains the event with confirmed schedule, course details, transition areas and more. All event attendees are strongly encouraged to read it before the event. READ IT HERE.

The XTERRA Trail Running courses capture the beauty and diversity of the Meelup Regional Park hinterland and coastline in two events achievable by any runner.

Running along large sections of the famous Meelup Coastal Trail, the runs are like a sightseeing tour of the region’s most spectacular natural landscapes – like Castle Rock, Meelup and other secluded beaches, the hinterland wildflowers, quiet country lanes flanked with vines, endless views over crystal clear water and mush more – all in the ever present company of kangaroos, kookaburra’s and plenty of other (friendly) wildlife!

With plenty of variety from start to finish – these are dream-like courses through trail running paradise. We can’t wait to share them with you.

10KM TRAIL RUN

Exact distance: 10.25km with 130m ascent / descent

The 10km trail run commences on the Country Club fairways before moving on to some of the local MTB single track which is generally wide and open and provides plenty of opportunity for over-taking runners.

The course then descends to the Meelup Coastal Path and follows this relatively flat and non-technical route with the odd technical rock feature to keep you on your toes. Follow the path to a U-Turn spot just short of Meelup Beach and head to the coastline. At this point runners deviate off the trail and negotiate a short section of more technical rock running (and a bit of sand) along the coastal zone for approx. 1.4km before re-joining the coastal path.

The course turns right and uphill at the 8.4km point where you’ll wind along a twisting single track through the bushland before re-entering the Country Club to descend to the finish on some fast single track. WELL DONE.

CLICK HERE or the map image below to see the course.

21KM TRAIL RUN

Exact distance: 21.3km 340m ascent / descent

The 21km race will be an official qualifying event for the XTERRA Trail Running World Championships (the only qualifying event in Australia) allowing runners to be part of XTERRA’s global series and ranking system.

The 21km trail run commences on the Country Club fairways before moving on to some of the local MTB single track which is generally wide and open and provides plenty of opportunity for over-taking runners.

The course then descends to the Meelup Coastal Path and follows this relatively flat and non-technical route path with the odd technical rock feature pas Castle Rock, Meelup Beach and more local landmarks to Pt Picquet where you cross the Meelup Beach Rd. The next section of trail through to the Eagle Bay township is slightly more technical but is a hidden gem as it provides extensive views across the coast towards the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and beyond (this is our favourite section!).

On reaching the edge of the Eagle Bay township runners turn inland on a wide and quite hilly fire road for approx. 3kms that starts off through local bushland and then continues alongside the vines of Wise Winery – seemingly a world away from the coast where you started. At the top of the dirt road runners turn left and descend on some fast and flowing singletrack towards Meelup before deviating onto the spectacular Whale Lookout loop and its endless views across Geographe Bay.

Runners then cross Meelup Rd again and return on the flatter Meelup Coastal Path to the 16km mark runners deviate off the trail and negotiate a short section of more technical rock running (and a bit of sand) along the coastal zone for approx. 1.4km before re-joining the coastal path. The course turns right and uphill at the 19.3km point where you’ll wind along a twisting single track through the bushland before re-entering the Country Club to descend to the finish on some fast single track. WELL DONE.

CLICK HERE or the map image below to see the course.