Century shines bright on the Surf Coast

MORE than 1,300 athletes showed grit, perseverance and determination during the 12th edition of the Surf Coast Century.

Competitors from across the country pushed themselves out of their comfort zones at the weekend to complete the 50km or 100km ultra-marathon courses individually or as a team.

Claiming victory in the 100km premier race were Canberra’s Andy McConnell and Western Australian powerhouse Jayme Bergman, clocking impressive times of 08:52:48 and 09:54:94, respectively.

The figure-8 course design course took 100km 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 did the second half of the 100km.

Mr McConnell said he was thrilled to take the overall victory, and expressed how he was put out of his comfort zone when he took the lead at the half-way mark.

 

“I don’t like being in front that early because I feel like I’m being hunted and think that it could be my race to lose.

“I was running scared for the second half and still unsure who was behind me – it was tough – I’m absolutely cooked! “But I wouldn’t have pushed so hard if it wasn’t such a nice place to be it was amazing, especially the people on course – everyone is really friendly making it a great day out.”

Jayme Bergman flew to victory in the women’s field, celebrating her 40th birthday in style.

“It’s an amazing course and wonderfully run event; I’m just so happy to be here with the support of my friends and family for my 40th birthday!

“The Century was a more challenging run than at Margaret River; but you put in everything you have until you get to the end, whether its 80km or 100km.”

 

 

James O’Connor and Gemma Jenkins were victorious in the 50km marathon journey, crossing the finish line in 04:13:12 and 04:21:50 respectively.

The relay teams event went down as one for the history books, with Team Weapons-A breaking the course set in 2015 by 15 minutes.

 

A $2,000 prize was up for grabs for the first and fastest team to break the 7- hour barrier, however, Team Weapons-A came in just 46 seconds over the 7-hour benchmark.

While the team narrowly missed the special cash prize, they were still rapt with their efforts.

Sam Maffett from event organisers Rapid Ascent expressed his admiration for the competitors’ remarkable efforts.

“There’s something magic about setting foot before dawn, watching the sum rise as it reveals stunning beaches, golden cliffs, turquoise water and towering ironbark trees – it really does inspire awe, and that’s exactly what we witnessed.

It was fantastic to see competitors’ raw emotions as they crossed that finish line, achieving their dreams that were once thought only just that.”

The 2024 edition of the event is set for Saturday 21 September – entries will open early next year.

For more, head to www.SurfCoastCentury.com.au