Mountain Biking Australia (MTBA) and Big Hill Events have announced the details for the 2009 Felt MTBA Australian Marathon Championships.

The 2009 MTB Marathon Champs will be located at Wandong, one hour drive from Melbourne CBD. With less than eight months until the nominated day, Sunday 29 March.

The course (100kms) has 2500m of vertical gain with a mix of fire road, 4WD tracks, double tracks and, of course, some great single track sections. The course is challenging with the average rider expected to complete the course in five and six hours. The estimated winning time for Elite Male is thought to be just over the mandated 4hours.

Alternatives to the 100km include a 69km and 38km course. The 2009 event will also include a Team option as part of the 69km course.

Over the 100km course there are four fully catered feed zones where riders are given water bottles, sports drinks, food by Degani Bakery, Gels and Energy bars by Endura as well as fruit and snacks. Further to this, each feed zone will offer free mechanical support by Croydon Cycle Works.

Cash and prizes totaling over $20,000 will be on offer with a huge range of spot prizes up for grabs. The event will be limited to a field of 750 riders and entries will open early October.

All the makings for a sensational event so don't forget to enter in October.