Ultramarathon to showcase the beauty of the Kimberley region, Grylls

Author: Brendon Grylls
Published on: 26-August-2011

One of the world’s most challenging race series will be staged in Western Australia’s Kimberley region and broadcast to a worldwide television audience thanks to a significant funding boost from the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program.

Tourism Minister Kim Hames and Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls have announced the Kimberley Ultramarathon would receive funding through Eventscorp’s Regional Events Program, which is funded by Royalties for Regions for the next three years.

The announcement was made in Broome by Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron who said the Kimberley Ultramarathon, part of the Racing the Planet Series, would see participants compete in races through some of the most remote wilderness in the world.

“The Kimberley Ultramarathon will be staged over 100km of rugged outback between Kununurra, the Gibb River Road and El Questro Wilderness Park,” Mr Waldron said.

“It will be a truly extraordinary experience in an extraordinary location.  Organisers expect about 100 people from about 30 countries to take part in the race.”

Tourism Minister Kim Hames said the funding for the program was part of a significant $40million over four-year commitment to regional events from the Royalties for Regions fund.

“Regional events are important as they provide significant economic, cultural and social benefits to the community, as well as increase the region’s profile through media exposure,” Dr Hames said.

“Hosting the Kimberley Ultramarathon is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our spectacular Kimberley region to the world and will illustrate how unique our vast State is.”

The Kimberley Ultramarathon will take place from September 2-4, 2011.  For more information visit www.racingtheplanet.com