A thousand runners take on Surf Coast Century

CHALLENGING weather conditions failed to deter 1,000 competitors from conquering the extensive course lengths featured in the 11th Surf Coast Century.

Athletes traversed the coast’s trails and beaches on Saturday with individuals and teams completing the 50km and 100km course lengths.

Torquay-based event organisers Rapid Ascent said they were impressed with every participant’s efforts on the day, as supporters continually cheered on the runners.

“It was fantastic to see competitors’ raw emotions as they crossed that finish line in tough coastal conditions; achieving their dreams after many months of training,” Event director Sam Maffett said.

“Added to that, the supporters who are out there doing what they do, never complaining and always cheering – it’s a real highlight for us.”

The 100km headline race showcased some of Australia’s best ultra-runners, with Western Australia’s Joshua Chugg winning the male field with a time of 08.43:33 and Geelong’s Nicole Virant coming first in the female division with a time of 10.25:31.

A newcomer to ultra-marathons, Virant went from not knowing anything about trail running, to claiming her first ultra-marathon in a single year.

“This time last year I didn’t even know trail running was a thing, so I’m quite new to it; but I keep feeling better and better over the distance whenever I go out, I just I love it!” Virant said.

“I come down the coast most weekends to get my running hours in and I just can’t get enough of it; I’m lucky I get to train on these beautiful trails that make up the course.”

NSW athlete Kate Cush and Victorian-based Sarah Hedger, also a previous winner of the event, was third as they rounded out the podium in the overall female category in 10.42:42 and 10.53:08.

The 100km course took competitors from Anglesea to Torquay along the beach, returning along the cliff top tracks and hinterland trails to Moggs Creek and Aireys Inlet, before heading back to Anglesea on the Surf Coast Walk trail, via Point Roadknight. The 50km course covered the second half of the 100km.

In the men’s field, Chugg, who won the Margaret River Ultra Marathon in May this year, looked comfortable in his maiden Surf Coast Century, taking the lead in Leg Two through Ironbark Basin.

“There were a few relay runners coming past me, so I took the opportunity to be pulled along by them into Leg Two and that dragged me away giving me the edge,” Chugg said.

“But Tom (Dade) and Zac (Beasley) were so strong on that rock hopping over the first 20km!”

“It’s such a beautiful course; I did try to take in the views when I could,” added Chugg who had 30 minutes on his nearest rival as he clocked his finish time.

Rounding out the podium was Beasley (09.15:03), and 2020 100km Surf Coast Century winner Ross Hopkins finishing a close third (09.16:17).

Meghann Bullen took home the 50km overall female run and Steve Buchanan won the men’s 50km race with respective finishing times of 04.37:19 and 03.56:44.

The 2023 edition of the event is already set for September 16, with entries to open early next year.