Past champs and interstate rivals join the field of Surf Coast Century

THE 10th edition of the Surf Coast Century is cementing its reputation as one of Australia’s must-do ultra trail marathons, attracting a number of past winners from ultra running events across the country.

To be held on September 11 between Anglesea and Torquay, the event will see previous winners Kellie Angel (nee Emmerson), Ash Watson, Ross Hopkins, David Eadie and Sarah Hedger line up on the 100km start line.

The fast five (all from Victoria) will be up against a formidable trio from Western Australia – Justin Scarvaci, Claire O’Brien-Smith and Meghann Coffey, all of whom have won the Margaret River Ultra Marathon (MRUltra), which is also organised by Rapid Ascent.

The WA trio of Scarvaci, O’Brien-Smith and Coffey were lured by the race’s spectacular course, prestigious reputation and the chance to have a hit-out against many of Victoria’s best ultra runners.

“I want to push the pace in Victoria,” 2019 and 2020 MRUltra male winner Scarvaci said.

2020 MRUltra female winner O’Brien-Smith said she’s well prepared for the 100km.

“I’m looking forward to more kilometres at the Century and feel I’ll be well prepared for the course – I’m including some sand running, hills, intervals and getting out on the trails as much as possible.”

The Surf Coast Century and Margaret River Ultra Marathon have a brother/sister relationship, where the winners of one event are invited to race in the other.

This year will be the first time the Century will feature a stacked field of Victorian winners racing against WA winners.

Angel won the Century in 2014, 2015 and 2016 and holds the female 100km course record of 9:03.24.

She had some advice for the West Australians – “I would be wary about Urquhart’s beach during Leg 4; I was running so hard to try to make sub nine hours in 2016 but the soft sand on Urquhart’s got the better of me.”.

Watson, who holds the Century’s male course record of 7:57, is also returning for the 10-year anniversary after winning the event in 2018 and 2019.

He hasn’t raced much since 2019 and struggled with motivation through COVID times, but is back with a vengeance and will leave nothing to chance as he prepares for another tilt at the title.

“I would like to win the race again this year but there’s definitely plenty of competition, and anything can happen in an ultra marathon so I don’t take anything for granted,” Watson said.

To celebrate 10 years and to welcome back past winners, the event has a number of new initiatives in place to enhance the runners’ experience such as a post-race athlete lounge, and recovery activities and celebrations the day after racing.

The event is expected to attract more than 1,300 runners. It offers 100km and 50km solo options, or 100km in relay teams of two or four.

To register or for more information, head to the Surf Coast Century website.