Geelong runner takes on seventh Surf Coast Century

KEEN Geelong marathon runner Michael Severin will compete in his seventh consecutive Surf Coast Century (SCC) this year in a bid to beat his 100km personal best of 14 hours and 21 minutes.

Originally from Holzminden, Germany, Michael moved to Australia with his wife in 2012 and has made the effort to compete in the event ever since.

Michael said this year’s Surf Coast Century will mark his 11th ultra-marathon overall, having also competed in the Buffalo Stampede in Bright three times.

“Earlier this month I tried and failed to complete the Hubert 100 in the Flinders Ranges which is why I’m having another go at the SCC,” he said.

“The last two years (competing in the SCC) the conditions weren’t great, and my finishing times were a bit disappointing.”

The 44-year-old said the reason he keeps competing in the SCC is because of the race’s iconic location.

“It’s my home race and I just enjoy doing it,” he said.

“There’s lovely scenery and it’s really well organised. I just feel great after doing it – it’s one of the highlights of the year.”

Michael – who only took up marathon running 10 years ago – said finding time to train is the biggest struggle.

“If I find enough time to train, I’ll definitely try harder,” he said.

“Every time I start, I felt like I haven’t done enough – I could probably try a bit harder and the more energy I could have”.

Michael says his strategy for this year is to pack lighter as in previous years too many supplies and a big backpack has slowed him down.

Michael will join thousands of runners this September to compete in SCC’s 100km solo ultramarathon.

Last year’s event attracted 1,120 runners and 2,600 spectators from all over Australia and contributed $4 million to the Surf Coast economy.