Local trail runners back in action

SURF Coast Trail Runners (SCTR) are back in business with a huge turnout for their first run since COVID-19 restrictions eased.

Runners from Melbourne and all over the Greater Geelong region met at the You Yangs donning their eye-catching blue club colours, keeping safe distances, and maintaining running groups of ten.

The group met at 7pm and set off for a 10-kilometre run through the beautiful state park in the fading light of a beautiful spring day. The route chosen started in the main entrance, along Branch Road, to Big Rock, through the Turntable car park and then up to the Flinders Peak. As the group worked their way up the peak, the skyline was so clear that the cities of Geelong and Melbourne were visible.

According to club president Michelle Morrisey, the You Yangs to the 12 Apostles provide some of Victoria’s most picturesque running trails and are the regular haunts for
the group.

“We were established in March 2013 by a couple of fantastic like-minded locals. From there our club has grown to what it is today, still free and inclusive,” she said.

“We are all about encouraging our members to post their runs, pics, maps or tell us where they’re running, which usually results in extra company. SCTR are a massive bunch of friends old, new and potential who have a passion for trails.

“We host regular free group runs, night runs, ladies’ runs and we love a Parkrun or get-together or volunteer opportunity.

“We’re easy to spot as we love sporting a bit of SCTR gear.”

The group boasts a diverse mix of younger and older members and those who like running 10km to 20km distances and others who have completed the Surf Coast Century, the 100km ultra marathon which begins in Anglesea and continues through Ironbark Basin and Currawong Falls.

Search for Surf Coast Trail Runners on Instagram and Facebook for more information.