Mountain to Surf winner narrowly misses Mona’s record

THE Mountain to Surf has been run and won, with the first placegetter coming within six seconds of the record set by Steve Moneghetti in 2006.

Nearly 2,000 runners took on the eight-kilometre course through the forest towards the finish on the foreshore in front of the Lorne Surf Lifesaving Club on Friday.

Competitors ranged from elite athletes to children as young as 7 and veterans as old as 78.

Bendigo’s Andy Buchanan was the winner of the men’s race with a time of 22 minutes and 58 seconds, ahead of two-time Olympian Collis Birmingham and local runner Nick Wightman.

“This is such a tough run, there’s nothing like it, it’s very unique but awesome, I love it and I just think well done to everyone that finishes that course, it’s that tough,” Buchanan said on the finish line.

“I didn’t know my time was that close to the record… to be sub 23 (minutes) it means a fair bit, Mona ran quick here and he’s such a legend of Australian running, so to be close to him it’s really good.”

The women’s event was taken out by Lorne physiotherapist Ellie O’Kane in 26 minutes and 49 seconds, the 29-year-old having to head straight off to work after claiming the top step on the podium.

She comfortably beat home Camilla Whishaw (29.13) and Rochelle Brennan (29.22).

“I’ve done (this race) before and it never gets any easier,” O’Kane said.

“I didn’t know how far I had (to the next competitor), I don’t know what time I did but I think probably similar to last year I say, maybe a tiny bit faster.”

For full results, head to lornesurfclub.com.au/Content/MountainToSurf.