Runners lace up for annual event

In previous years, the event has attracted between 650 and 700 participants. Photos: SUPPLIED. Participants have the choice of completing the half marathon or full marathon solo or as part of a team.

HUNDREDS of runners will hit the trails around the region next weekend when the Brooks Surf Coast Trail Marathon returns on June 14.

This year’s event will mark the 11th iteration of the experience, offering participants the choice of completing a team or solo marathon or half marathon.

Attracting between 650 to 700 people each year, event director Chris Ord said they are hoping for another great day with awesome weather.

“We’re looking forward to all the usual entertainment, the saxophonist on course, some good aid stations manned by local trail running clubs.

“It’s a really good event in terms of getting people down to the Surf Coast in the middle of winter, it’s a good attractor.”

Both the half marathon and full marathon distances follow the Surf Coast Walk route, finishing at the Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club.

The half marathon course begins on the beach at the far end of the Point Addis Car Park, while the full marathon sets off from Torquay overlooking Fisherman’s Beach foreshore.

Mr Ord said it’s the landscape of the course that makes the event so unique, taking people along a coastal trail.

Participants have the choice of completing the half marathon or full marathon solo or as part of a team

“We found that a lot of people are either doing their first trail run or their first half marathon or their first marathon at the Surf Coast Trail Marathon.

“And for that reason, a lot of people actually end up coming back because it holds a special place in their history of running, it becomes a bit of a favourite on everyone’s calendars.

Trail running events around the state have been expanding with more people starting to turn their attention from the roads to the trail as events continue to register larger numbers.

Mr Ord said in recent years, the sport as a whole has become a lot more organised and is a welcoming and friendly space.

“Quite often people who have not considered themselves as runners in their younger years are turning to trail running.

“It’s not always so much about the time or the winning, it is about the experience of being out there and enjoying nature.”

To register for the Surf Coast Trail Marathon or for more information, head to surfcoasttrailmarathon.com