2023 Race Schedule
It’s that time of year, with Christmas and the New Year looming, we look toward the upcoming year and all the juicy running events that are available to enter.
The biggest difficulty is, with such a smorgasbord of options, trying to work out which ones to do!
The way I determine which events to enter are by reviewing my goals for the upcoming 18 months and plan out the races that I’m interested in. This list gets culled, fine tuned and race fees considered. After that it gets locked in – well until I change my mind at a later date.
In 2021, my planned race schedule changed dramatically due to COVID19 Restrictions. Check it out here.
In 2022, there were still some events impacted by COVID19 Restrictions but I still managed to complete several. Check it out here.
Below outlines the race schedule that I will be adopting in order to:
- Gain UTMB Index points and running stones for Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc (UTMB) entry;
- Break some personal records;
- Build experience in the distances required;
- Get stronger mentally and physically in my running; and
- Enjoy the race experiences and meet new like minded people!
This will be subject to change but I believe having a plan is important to work towards. The events in BOLD will be my target events, the others are to be confirmed (TBC).
| RACE | LOCATION | DATE | DISTANCE |
| Parkrun | Victoria, Australia | Most Saturdays | 5 km |
| Run Warrandyte | Warrandyte, Victoria | 5 Mar 2023 | 15 km |
| Ultra-Trail Australia by UTMB | Katoomba, NSW | 13 May 2023 | 100 km |
| Melbourne Marathon | Melbourne, Victoria | 15 Oct 2023 | 42.2 km |
| Hallora Marathon Festival | Hallora, Victoria | 10 Dec 2023 | 24 km |
| Pier to Pub | Lorne, Victoria | Jan 2024 | 1.2 km swim |
| MVP Backyard Ultra | Maribyrnong, Victoria | Feb 2024 | 6.706 km x lots |
| Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc | Chamonix, France | August 2024/25? | 100 mi |
Parkrun
A family favourite. We try to get to as many Parkruns as we can. It’s a great time to catch up with friends, go for coffee and of course, try and reach that elusive PB. Check out how to Parkrun Here.
Kilcunda Half Marathon
One of the few races that I did in 2021 and also managed to back it up in 2022. A tough half marathon but with great views that make it all worth it. It helps that I’ve got family close by for some free accommodation.
EDIT: Not going to be able to make it to this one this year. It’s a great event though so it’ll be back on the list for 2024!
Run Warrandyte 15km
Completed! What a top event. I ran the 15km event in 62 min getting onto the podium for second place. On a very hilly and scenic course, I found it tough but was able to maintain my pace and finished strong. Check out my race report HERE.
Ultra-Trail Australia by UTMB
This is a big race. The biggest by participation in Australia and my equal longest at 100 kms. Once I complete this one, I’ll have the running stones required to qualify for the UTMB along with my Index Points. If for any reason I am unable to finish, it’ll still be a good opportunity to get some further experience in potentially difficult conditions.
Completed! My second ever 100km event and my first By UTMB event in the bag. A very hilly and scenic course, I would definitely recommend. I now have the necessary Running Stones and Points required to apply for the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc ballot for the 2024 Event! Now I just need to be awarded a place…
Check out my race report HERE.
Great Ocean Road Marathon
Another family favourite. An amazing event and it was where I ran my first Marathon! We also made it there in 2021 and 2022. I’m unsure as to whether I’ll make it there in 2023 due to being only 1 week after the Ultra Trail Australia! We’ll see if it works out. If not, I’ll be there in 2024.
EDIT: Not going to be able to make it to this one this year – a little too close to the Ultra-Trail Australia. Looking to do this one again in 2024!
Melbourne Marathon
I completed this one in 2019 and in 2022 where I just missed a sub 3 hr finish. I’m keen to tackle this one again and finally achieve my goal. It’s probably the flattest and the best opportunity for a quick time in Victoria, Australia. I might try and rope in a few friends to tackle this one with, whether they do the 10km, half or full. Keen as!
Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc
Although I won’t be completing this one in 2023, it still made the list. I’m not running all of these races just so I can run the UTMB (I’m running because it’s fun and I love to race!) but it’s good to be reminded of where I am headed and what I need to do to prepare.
EDIT: As of my Ultra-Trail Australia completion, I now have the Running Stones and Points required to apply for the Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc ballot for the 2024 Events! Now I just need to be awarded a place…
Other Events
I’m sure this list will change. Probably even before 2023 has begun! I feel it’s important to plan and identify which events to target so I can be in the best shape possible and give myself every opportunity to do well.
Other events I’d also like to do (though they will likely not happen in 2023) are the Ultra-Trail Kosciuszko by UTMB, Wonderland Run, Swim “The Rip”, Wilsons Prom 100 and MVP Backyard Ultra. I may be able to sneak one or two of these in but more likely they will form part of my 2024 Race Schedule.
What events are you looking to take on in 2023?
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