Runners take to the trails on the Surf Coast

MORE than 550 people adventured along the coast and bushlands of the region in the Surf Coast Trail Marathon over the weekend.

The event saw racers take on a marathon or half marathon race either solo or in a team.

Under sunny skies, participants snaked from Australia’s mecca of surfing Torquay to the beachfront Fairhaven Surf Lifesaving Club.

In the marathon race it was David Scott (3:00:13) and Natalie Rooks (3:31:36) who came out victorious, winning the men’s and women’s disciplines of the 42km course.

The 21km race was taken out by 18 and Under competitor Archie Fifoot in a speedy time of 1:28:42, while the first female to the line was Irene Brackin in 1:52:49.

 

Team Deadly on the Treadly stood out from the crowd and was the first crew over the line in the teams discipline.

Race director Chris Ord said it was a fantastic day of racing for all involved.

“Weather played a wonderful part, it was a beautiful sunrise at Fishermans Beach and from that point on, the vibe was good, everyone was loving the trails.

“We saw lots more road and crossover runners coming into the scene. It was good to see a whole bunch of younger racers out there having a crack at their marathon and half marathons.

“A lot of people use it Surf Coast Trail Marathon as their first trail run, or their first of everything. It’s great to see everyone smiling and having fun, and to help create that crucible of where people can have that achievement is really nice to see.”

 

Mr Ord said the event is likely to include an additional racing option in 2026.

“Next year we are probably looking at having a slightly shorter event added to the mix. Potentially it’ll be from Urquharts Bluff to Fairhaven.

“The half marathon is still a little bit too far for some, so this will help to make the event even more inclusive.

“There’s been a bit of an idea of turning the direction around too, and going from Fairhaven to Torquay. Next year we will hopefully mix it up a bit and refresh it.”