Running festival draws a record number

RUNNERS smashed records over the weekend when the Great Ocean Road Running Festival marked its 20th anniversary.

The two-day running festival attracted 11,198 runners across Saturday and Sunday, its highest number of participants in a two-decade history.

Event director Brad King said the event was a perfect balance between elite competition and family fun.

“There’s plenty of serious runners, and of course part-time and beginner level entrants looking to test themselves.

“We also have instances of athletes nominating across multiple categories so they could run with family and friends which makes it a really social weekend.”

 

Participants had the choice of eight different distances, ranging from 60km to 1.5km.

Elliott Preater was the first to cross the line for the Ultra Marathon in 4.20:03, while Lauren Mellett finished first for the females in 4.27:19.

The Melrose Great Ocean Road Marathon was won by Dion Finocchiaro in a time of 2.34:42 and Danielle Rogan took first place for the females, finishing in a time of 3.08:55.

First place in the Brooks Half Marathon was Sebastian Asher in 1:10:12 with Amanda Wilson the first female finisher completing the course in 1.27:24.

 

Apollo Bay & District Health Foundation is the official charity partner of the event and also provided all volunteers across the weekend.

In the event’s 20-year history more than $313,000 in donations has gone to the organisation which then distributes the funds to groups in the area.

“The beauty of the weekend is it’s genuinely driven by locals, the Apollo Bay & District Health Foundation do an amazing job of providing us with volunteers from the Wye River to Apollo Bay,” Mr King said.

“That gives the entire weekend a really welcoming and inviting experience which our participants really enjoy.

“And we’re really proud to be able to give back to the region through funds raised which are distributed straight back to community groups.”

 

Since the race’s beginning in 2005, it has grown from a single 44km marathon to a two-day celebration of running, wellness and community.

Away from the running course, there were a range of free activities and events including live music, Pilates, yoga wellness programs, activations and more.

For people less keen on running, the Pub-to-Pub Waiters Race was their chance to shine, carrying a tray of beer from the Apollo Bay Hotel to the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse and back.

For more information and the full list of results, head to greatoceanroadrunfest.com.au