The Willo Marathon

The Willo Marathon will return to its home trails in Wingello State Forest in 2022.

The Willo is a marathon like no other. As one of the top mountain bike events on the Australian cycling racing calendars, this 12th Edition of the race will be held in memory of Southern Highlands local rider and mountain bike champion James Williamson. James was 26 years old when he tragically passed away in March 2010. He will always be remembered as a top-level XCO and XCM rider. He was passionate about the sport in every way, as well as being an Australian and World 24 hour champion. Founded by Meg Patey, Willo’s aunt and supported by his best friends and riding mates, the Willo race is now managed by Rocky Trail Entertainment under Meg’s patronage.

Originally based on the Southern Highlands in NSW and James’ home track at Wingello, the Willo had a 2 year stint in Canberra but will return to it’s original home. The Wingello trails were badly damaged from the 2019-20 summer bushfires but the local club, State Forest and volunteer groups have done an amazing job bringing it back.

This will be a lap-based classic marathon race featuring a race track loaded with singletrail goodness and fast gravel road sections. The event has become an annual reminder to all riders of the joys of mountain biking as well as the impact James had on the sport.

The race circuit is a 20-25km loop and there are various distance classifications across adult and junior age groups, plus fun kids races for little riders in the event centre.

Every race participant will be instantly taken by the relaxed and friendly nature of the race, which in fact does reflect on James and the camaraderie that mountain biking brings for all.