Great Ocean Road Running Festival returns this month

RUNNERS are set to hit the pavement for one of Australia’s most challenging and picturesque running events taking place on the Great Ocean Road. The Kieser Great Ocean Road Running Festival will have something for everyone during the May 15 and 16 event with up to nine races for contenders to choose from.

Event director Brad King said there had been strong numbers registering for what he calls “Australia’s most stunning running event”.

“The event is held in such a beautiful and unique area of Victoria and the Great Ocean Road is renowned throughout the world for its epic beauty and panoramic views of the Southern Ocean,” he said.

“We can feel the enthusiasm of our participants who are eager to get back out for running events.

“Some of the more popular distances are looking like they will sell out.”

The first day of competing will be held in Apollo Bay with the 14km Paradise Run and Wheelchair race, Sri Lankan Airlines 6km run and Great Ocean Road Real Estate 1.5km Kids’ Gallop.

The following day will take place in Lorne with Science in Sport Ultra Marathon (60km), Kieser Marathon, Suunto trail Runs including 6.5km and 13km, Science in Sport Half Marathon and The Lorne Hotel Great Ocean Road 5km and 10km Walk.

“We can’t wait for people to experience the two new Suunto Trail Runs (6.5km & 13km) on the Sunday which are a new feature in the event this year and gives our runners a different experience,” Mr King said.

“The Trail run courses take you through an orchard, across an old bridge and through beautiful eucalypt forest.”

The festival will have two hubs located in Apollo Bay and Lorne with a variety of running and walking events as well as activities including yoga, kite flying, live music and more.

Runner and senior physiotherapist at Kieser Geelong, Rob Osborne, said he was excited to see the return of the major running event.

“We know how important the physical activity and the tourism is in this area, so as a local company it’s great to be supporting both,” he said.

“We’ve got lots of runners from the local community who use our services, so we’ve offered all registered runners a complimentary running assessment in any of our clinics.

“We also know there are a few injured runners out there, so if you need some last-minute help, come and see one of our physios and we’ll help you get to the start line.”

Competitors can help raise money for a range of charities by having family and friends sponsor them in their chosen race.

At the time of going to print, the Kieser Great Ocean Road Running fest had raised more than $42,500 between 18 charities, with a target of $50,000.