A blooming good weekend awaits

Flora, fauna, friends and unforgettable landscapes – a favourite pair of Surf Coast events will have Anglesea buzzing on September 17 and 18.

The countdown is on for the Surf Coast Century ultra marathon and Angair (Anglesea, Aireys Inlet Society for the Protection of Flora and Fauna) Wildflower and Art Weekend, with Surf Coast Shire mayor Libby Stapleton excited to welcome local community and visitors for both events.

“It’s fantastic that these two events run side-by-side and complement each other,” she said.

“Anglesea is one of the world’s most biodiverse areas for orchids. Both events offer an opportunity to appreciate our stunning natural environment – whether you’re soaking up colourful flower displays and art at the Angair event, or clocking up kilometres in the Surf Coast Century that has Anglesea Heath as a beautiful backdrop.”

The Surf Coast Century consists of a spectacular 50km and 100km ultra marathon taking in a memorable course that features beaches, wildflowers, waterfalls and the Surf Coast Walk.

The September 17 event suits both ultra marathon first-timers and seasoned endurance athletes, either participating as solo entrants or in relay teams.

“Participants embrace the landscape they run through, and whilst running is a physical activity where they are concentrating on their body and how they’re feeling, they are also very aware of the landscapes they are running through,” said Sam Maffett, General Manager of adventure event management company Rapid Ascent who coordinate the Surf Coast Century.

“The beauty of the Surf Coast area, is that there is such diversity and beauty that keeps runners captivated.”

The Surf Coast Century has partnered with Friends of the Eastern Otways this year.

“It’s a way of adding depth to the competitors’ experience,” Mr Maffett said.

“Together we hope to educate participants about the unique flora and fauna that they run through, highlighting its beauty and raising awareness of how fragile it is.”

Angair President Sally White said the Wildflower and Art Weekend – which was held virtually in 2020 and 2021 – would be strictly indigenous this year when it returns as an in-person event on 17 and 18 September.

“After three difficult years we have realised the importance of celebrating what we have locally, especially in regards to our flora, fauna and natural landscape,” she said.

The local conservation group will host the weekend at the Anglesea Community Precinct in McMillan Street from 10am to 4pm. If you can’t make it to Anglesea over the weekend, there is also a wonderful virtual nature show at angairnatureshow.org.au.

The late John Landy’s fascinating collection of local butterflies and insects will be a main attraction at the Wildflower and Art Weekend, along with the popular guided wildflower walks.

Plant sales, various stalls, orchid video displays and a children’s nature competition round out the program.

With the Surf Coast events calendar springing into action in September and beyond, stay up-to-date with the latest event news at surfcoastevents.com.au

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