Watson looks to take the next step at Surf Coast Century

THIS Saturday, Ash Watson is looking to improve upon his winning performance at last year’s Surf Coast Century by registering a sub-eight hour time.

In 2018, Ash completed the 100-kilometre race in a time of 8:16:50. This put him almost 20 minutes in front of the next individual runner, and also finishing the race quicker than all but one of the teams involved.

Making the feat even more impressive was that it was the first run of that distance Watson had taken part it. Yet this year he is looking to complete the run in under eight hours.

“It’s a difficult race so I never take anything for granted, but I’d love to get under eight hours, that’s my goal this year.”

Watson feels he has improved in his long-distance running since he competed in the 2018 event.

That year he had only returned from a fairly major injury a few months prior, and had not been able to do the same amount of training as this year.

Watson also lost a few minutes last year when a trail marker had been blown round to guide him on the wrong direction, meaning he was set off-course for a few kilometres.

He said the Surf Coast Century was a special race for both competitors and spectators.

“I loved the course last year. It’s great for spectators too. My wife, my dad’s mate and my dad were able to drive around and see me at so many different places.

It’s so accessible for people to come and watch that it doesn’t just feel like you’re out there slogging it for eight hours and not seeing anyone.”

The run starts and finishes in Anglesea, but goes through a variety of picturesque environments along the way.

The race has had a record number of entrants this year, with more than 400 solo runners signed up for this year’s event.

People can sign up anytime before the day of the race, even though online entries are now closed.

For more information on the event, head to surfcoastcentury.rapidascent.com.au.