{"id":185530,"date":"2026-05-15T04:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-14T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/armstrongcreektimes\/?p=185530"},"modified":"2026-05-13T20:55:07","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T10:55:07","slug":"trek-smashes-records-on-the-surf-coast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/armstrongcreektimes\/news\/trek-smashes-records-on-the-surf-coast\/","title":{"rendered":"Trek smashes records on the Surf Coast"},"content":{"rendered":"

STAFF WRITER<\/p>\n

A record-breaking field of 1,500 walkers took to the cliffs and beaches on Saturday for the 11th annual Surf Coast Trek.<\/p>\n

Under clear blue skies, participants tackled either a 37km route from Aireys Inlet to Torquay, or a 23km leg from Anglesea to Torquay.<\/p>\n

The event has already raised more than $255,000 for the Give Where You Live Foundation and Kids+, with organizers now eying a final $350,000 target as donations remain open for the next month.<\/p>\n

The trek has become the primary fundraiser for both organisations, supporting everything from specialist therapy for children to food and housing assistance across the Geelong region.<\/p>\n

Give Where You Live chief executive Zac Lewis said the turnout was a powerful display of local generosity.<\/p>\n

“Every dollar raised directly supports local programs, helping children, families and people in need,” he said.<\/p>\n

“It was inspiring to see the generosity and energy of everyone involved, and to know that together, participants not only completed the challenge of the Surf Coast Trek, but they are also helping to build a fairer, more inclusive community in the process.”<\/p>\n

Over its 11-year history, the event has now funnelled a total of $2.5 million back into local community programs.<\/p>\n

Kids+ chief executive Shaun Cannon said the physical challenge of the event translates to tangible support for families relying on specialist services.<\/p>\n

“What makes this event so special is that it brings people together for a shared purpose,” Cannon said.<\/p>\n

“A huge thanks to volunteers, sponsors and trekkers for their commitment and support. Their efforts are helping ensure more children and families can access the specialist services they need to thrive.”<\/p>\n

To donate or support a trekker, visit surfcoasttrek.com.au<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

STAFF WRITER A record-breaking field of 1,500 walkers took to the cliffs and beaches on Saturday for the 11th annual Surf Coast Trek. Under clear blue skies, participants tackled either a 37km route from Aireys Inlet to Torquay, or a 23km leg from Anglesea to Torquay. The event has already raised more than $255,000 for […]<\/p>\n

Read More…<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":216,"featured_media":185531,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"post_folder":[],"class_list":["post-185530","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nTrek smashes records on the Surf Coast - Armstrong Creek Times<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A record 1,500 walkers joined the Surf Coast Trek, raising $255,000 for local charities. 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