Tough fitness test in beautiful surrounds

Registrations are still open for next month’s Margaret River Ultramarathon.

The event gives keen runners the chance to combine their sport with a route taking in some of the highlights of the Capes region, with the finish line set at the Cheeky Monkey brewery.

Entries remain open for those choosing to compete solo, or in a relay team of two to five people taking on separate 10km to 20km legs of the overall 80km route. There’s also a 2km route for juniors, which takes place before the awards presentation.

Already booked in to this year’s event is 2014 Rottnest Channel Swim winner Paul Laver, who will compete in a team.

Laver said he would take on the event’s third leg — an 18km journey along sections of the Cape-to-Cape track he will undertake immediately after competing in the Busselton half ironman’s 1.9km swim leg.

“Swimming and distance running are very similar in that they are a mental game,” Laver said.

“Swimming to Rottnest Island, in my opinion, is harder to do from a mental point of view than physically, and I feel that distance running is the same.

“If you’ve got it in you mentally, the physical side of it will develop naturally.

“Of course, a big cardio base and lots of strength will help me with having success in both endeavours on race day.”

The course starts at Hamelin Bay and finishes near Gracetown.

The event takes place on October 17. Register at www.MRUltramarathon.com.au.