100 days until 100 k’s: Countdown on to Surf Coast Century

TODAY marks 100 days until the ninth annual Surf Coast Century, with keen runners from around the region preparing to hit the track come September 21.

Hosted along the picturesque Great Ocean Road, the event allows participants to race in a 100km solo ultra-marathon, 50km solo ultra-marathon, or a 100km team relay.

Surf Coast Century rookie ambassador Jess Douglas said her training efforts have been surprisingly enjoyable in the lead-up to the event.

“I’m really enjoying the flow-state of mind, the meditation that you get from trail running,” Ms Douglas said.

“I don’t do a heap of panning the pavement speed work or anything like that – it’s got to be fun, enjoyable trail stuff. I kind of get lost in the moment.

It’s (training) going great – I just wish the weather would be nicer at this time of year.”

Ms Douglas, who ordinarily participates in mountain bike events, said training for a marathon is an entirely different experience.

“I wouldn’t say I’ve given up mountain biking – I went for a great mountain bike ride the other day,” she said.

“I think it’s very complementary – the only thing I’ve got to be concerned about is if I’ve got a cycling race on the weekend, I have to back off from the running or decide when my last run will be so I can freshen up my legs for a bike ride.

“If I ride really hard, I don’t need to freshen up my legs so much if I was running on the weekend for a race – it’s a different sort of load.”

The event, which is sponsored and supported by Surf Coast Shire, contributed $4 million to the Surf Coast economy last year.

Surf Coast Shire’s coordinator of events Kate Patterson said the council is proud to continue supporting the Surf Coast Century as it enters its ninth year.

“Not only is the event locally-owned and operated, it provides our visitor economy with a welcome boost both during the event and in the months leading up to race weekend,” Ms Patterson said.

“It’s really great to see how popular the official training runs have become, helping athletes prepare for their big challenge and encouraging them to spend more time in our beautiful region.”

Surf Coast Shire’s Travis Nelson will compete in his first 100km ultra-marathon this year.