Record-breaking run headlines festival weekend

FIRST timers, charity runners and new mums are among the 11,000 people who crossed the finish line at this year’s Great Ocean Road Running Festival.

It takes a big event to shut down the Great Ocean Road and event director Brad King said he does not take that responsibility lightly.

Building an event that centres and celebrates the communities along the coast is at the core of his work.

With races spanning from the 1.5km Kids Gallop to the 60km Ultra Marathon, runners of all ages and abilities took part across the weekend.

King said crossing the finish line can be emotional for runners and spectators alike.

“It’s super special,” King said. “It’s actually quite emotional seeing people come through. It doesn’t matter what distance you’re doing, everyone has a story, everyone has a journey.”

 

Among the standout performances was Meriem Daoui’s marathon victory.

The Moroccan-born Tasmanian broke a course record that had stood since 2007, crossing the line in 2 hours, 57 minutes.

Daoui competed in her first marathon at age 16 and has continued running ever since. Her sub-three-hour performance came just 10 months after giving birth.

In a social media post after the race, she said the run was for her younger self, for people living with chronic illness and for parents learning to balance new responsibilities.

“Today, I walked away with the women’s course record set in 2007, and a win,” Daoui wrote.

“But most importantly, I walked away with a heart full of gratitude, love and appreciation for my family, friends and the running community.

 

“I truly would not be here without their endless love and support.”

King said the festival’s success relied heavily on local support.

Whether volunteering, fundraising or cheering runners along the route, he said the backing from communities along the coast helped make the event what it was.

“The community’s at the heart of this event and they’re fully a part of the family,” he said.

Runners at this year’s Great Ocean Road Running Festival raised more than $120,000 for 283 charities, including support for the Apollo Bay & District Health Foundation.

Across the second day of racing, Daoui and Dion Finocchiaro claimed the full marathon titles, while Frances Arnott and Ben Chamberlain won the half marathon. Katharina Hoess and Corey Milner took out the 60km ultra marathon.