Two Distances. Two Victories. One Bandicoot - 2026 Margaret River Ultra Recap

Written by Brendan Verrier

At the 2026 Margaret River Ultra, two Tarkine athletes stood atop the podium after remarkable performances across two very different races. In the 80km ultra, Ben Leeson claimed victory in an impressive 6:16:13, mastering the diverse terrain of Western Australia's south-west. In the 42km marathon, Josh Chugg delivered a commanding performance of his own, crossing the line first in 3:40:39. Different distances, different race strategies and one shoe, the Tarkine Bandicoot.

Margaret River: A True Trail Running Test

The Margaret River Ultra has become one of Australia's premier trail running events for good reason. The course showcases the very best of trail running in the region. Fast forest trails transition into winding single track. Soft sandy sections challenge fatigued legs, while rugged coastal landscapes provide a spectacular backdrop for a day of adventure. It's the kind of terrain that exposes weaknesses. For athletes competing at the front of the field, every decision matters, especially the shoes on your feet.

Ben Leeson Conquers the 80km Ultra

For Ben Leeson, race day began long before the 6:15am start. Armed with a simple breakfast of cereal, electrolytes and coffee, he prepared for a demanding day on the trails. The opening kilometres unfolded beneath head torches. "There were a few spider webs to the face", Ben recalled, "but I had a solid run through there trying to calm the nervous excitement and settle into a big day ahead."

As the race progressed, Ben found his rhythm through the flowing forest trails. "I knew this leg I needed to bank some time through the quick flowy trails of the forest", he said.

By the middle stages of the race, he had established a gap over the chasing runners. But Margaret River has a habit of testing even the strongest athletes. Long stretches of beach, soft sandy single track and a strengthening northerly wind demanded patience and smart decision-making.

"The goal was to race smart," Ben explained. "Push where I can and take it easy on the soft stuff to not burn out the legs." As the finish line drew closer, confidence grew.

"At this point I firmly had the win in my sights and was eyeing off the course record." The final kilometres brought stomach cramps and the challenge of continuing to fuel effectively. After 80 kilometres of racing, Ben crossed the line to celebrate with family and friends.

"Crossing the finish line to family and friends was an awesome experience and one I will cherish for a long time."

Josh Chugg Takes Out the Marathon

The 42km race attracts some of the strongest runners in the country, combining speed with the technical demands that define trail running.

Joshua Chugg rose to the occasion running with confidence and control. Chugg claimed victory in 3:40:39 adding another significant result to his growing list of achievements.

While the distance differed from the ultra, the demands remained the same. Adapting to changing terrain, staying composed under pressure whilst trusting your preparation and the gear.

One Shoe. Two Winning Performances

At Tarkine, every product is built with purpose. The Bandicoot was designed to help runners move confidently through the unpredictable environments that make trail running so rewarding. At Margaret River, it faced fast forest trails, sandy coastal stretches, technical single track and the physical toll of racing deep into an ultra. Across 122 kilometres of racing, two Tarkine athletes put the Bandicoot to the test.

The result came in the form of two solid victories. While podium finishes don't define the Bandicoot, they do demonstrate its versatility from marathon distances to ultras, from elite racing to weekend adventures. The Bandicoot is built to go the distance.

More Than a Shoe

Behind every race result lies months of preparation, countless early mornings and a willingness to embrace discomfort in pursuit of something meaningful. At Tarkine, we're incredibly proud to support athletes like Ben Leeson and Josh Chugg. Not simply because they win, but because of the way they represent our community: with resilience, humility and a genuine passion for the trails. Their performances at Margaret River were outstanding whilst their stories remind us why we run in the first place.

Congratulations to Ben Leeson and Josh Chugg on exceptional victories at the 2026 Margaret River Ultra, the Bandicoot delivered and the adventure continues.