Bellarine Sunset Run heats up

HUNDREDS of runners will lace up their shoes next weekend as the 10th anniversary of the Flying Brick Sunset Run takes place.

Held on Saturday, February 8 participants will take to the paths between Portarlington and St Leonards for the light coastal trail event.

Runners will have the choice of three main events – the Profeet Half Marathon, Steigen 10km and the Bully Buster 4km.

Event manager Dion Milne said they’re anticipating around 1700 people to attend, about 300 more people than the record.

“People can expect much of the same, a good sunset run, warm weather, plenty of people in the caravan park celebrating, hosing them down and a bit of a party atmosphere at the finish line.

“We’ve really tried to stick to what we are and what we’ve done previously as opposed to trying to do something new and out there.”

Making the event unique is the trail taking runners through the caravan park, where holiday makers are there to cheer them on.

All distances are an out and back course, with the 21km and 10km events crossing paths with each other at a point, allowing for mid-course high-fives and encouragement.

“The public and other participants are able to mix in with each other really well,” Mr Milne said.

“The way we’ve got it logistically set up, whilst we start at three or four different start locations and waves, everybody finishes up in Portarlington.”

Runners of all different ages and demographics are invited to participate in the event, with the Bully Buster 4km focussing on the link between physical fitness and mental health in children.

Up until a month before the Sunset Run, entries for kids under the age of 12 were free, with the 2025 event ticking over more than 1000 children participating for free.

As a way of marking the decade long event, participants will be presented with a 10 year commemorative medal.

To register and for more information, head to bellarinesunsetrun.com