The Blackwood Marathon is a relay race which in 1979 was a vision of some Bridgetown Rotary Club members, to be part of the towns celebration Western Australia’s 150th anniversary.

Just 54 teams, consisting of 220 competitors contested that first event..

This year the organisation supported 180 teams, including the Iron Woman and Iron Man sections. Well over 800 competitors plus their support crews being involved.

The marathon is a unique event throughout Australia and attracts many top athletes for a fun weekend. A full team consists of five people, a runner, canoeist, swimmer, equestrian and a cyclist.

In the the Iron Woman and Iron Man sections, individuals cover all these sections alone for the whole 60-kilometre race through some of Western Australia’s most picturesque countryside in the Blackwood River Valley.

The race starts in Boyup Brook and finishes at the Bridgetown sportsground.

This year’s fastest times were:

• fastest run: Michael Dymnicki, team Up ’N’ Coming, 00:37:55;

• fastest canoeing section: Jesse Phillips, The Alchemists, 00:41:16;

• fastest swim: Travis Nederpelt, Skilled Engineering, 00:09:22;

• fastest equestrian section, Melanie Downham, Mount Barker Veterinary Hospital, 00:32:34; and

• fastest cycle section, Matthew Blackwell, Up ’N’ Coming, 00:30:43.

The Blackwood Marathon is a great day for competitors, supporters and spectators.

Some teams enter to be highly competitive but many teams come back year after year simply to be part of this great day, to catch up with friends and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the countryside.

Full results can be found on the marathon web site: www.mccays.com.au/theevent.