Sunset run returns to Bellarine

THE Bellarine’s most scenic run returns this summer with the ninth annual Flying Brick Bellarine Sunset Run, set to take place between Portarlington and St Leonards on Saturday, 10 February 2024.

The run consists of three main events – the Half-Marathon, 10km run, and the Bully Buster 4km run.

Since 2016, this locally organised event has hosted around 1100-1200 running and walking entrants each year.

Flying Brick Bellarine Sunset Run event manager Dion Milne said the event had something for everyone.

“We’ve decided to stick with our traditional distances as they are family friendly, with something there for everyone whether they are a seasoned runner, a newbie or just like to get out and walk or jog at your own pace,” Mr Milne said.

Mr Milne said after eight years of the Bellarine Sunset Run, the popular coastal trail event had adopted a ‘family focus first approach’, as many young participants had grown into adults over the journey.

“We pride ourselves on the family experience,” he said.

“We’ve seen kids grow up before our eyes, as have the participants, they’ve seen our girls grow up too.”

“Every February is like a family reunion of sorts.”

“The overwhelming feedback when asking people about this event is about the family first approach and summer community vibes.”

“The highlight being for runners as they make their way on the Bellarine Foreshore

Coastal trail, where they are supported by not just the local Bellarine community but also hundreds of holiday makers armed with garden hoses and loud cheers of encouragement from start to finish.”

Two-time Active Feet Half-Marathon female winner Danni Rogan commented on the interaction between spectators and runners.

“You are running past (the spectators) get the hose out and they ask if you want to be sprayed and they are all cheering you along the way calling you a name because it is on your bib and (asking) ‘Do you want to be sprayed? Don’t ask just do it’ – it is great,” said Ms Rogan.

Steigen returns as an event sponsor this year, and McColls has come on board as a new naming rights partner.

Mr Milne said it was great to have the support of two renowned businesses in the wider Geelong community as new naming rights partners.

“Both companies compliment the events current local sponsors in addition to Adroit Insurance & Risk who join us in 2024.” Mr Milne said.

“The team at Steigen has been us for many years both as a prize sponsor and on-day activations, so to have their partnership increase to the Steigen 10km naming rights sponsor is amazing,” Mr Milne said.

“McColl’s Transport (is) a proud member of the Geelong community for 71 years, the McColl’s senior management team knows the importance of our event in getting the community moving and has stepped up to support this accessible to all distance as the 4km naming rights partner.”

All events will begin at 5 pm on 10 February. To register for the 2024 Flying Brick Bellarine Sunset Run, visit bellarinesunsetrun.com.