Surf Coast Century starts 100-day countdown

TODAY (Thursday, June 9) marks 100 days until the 100km Surf Coast Century ultra-marathon, to be held here on the Surf Coast on September 17.

The 11th edition of the event is again expected to attract more than 1,300 runners, making it one of the largest ultra-marathon events in Australia.

Competitors can enter as an individual runner in the 50km or 100km courses, or in a relay team of two, three or four over the 100km course, covering about 25km each.

Several local runners have been spotted on the start list having secured their place when entries opened in March.

Jan Juc’s Timothy Connolly will participate in his third 100km event as captain of the ‘Trail Blazers’ – a relay team of four, including team members Daniel Mugavin, Jarred McCombe and Andrew Steven – all from Jan Juc and passionate about being part of local trail and adventure races.

Torquay’s Craig Brown is stepping up the 100km course for the first time after having competed in the 50km event last year.

Local mums and avid trail runners Meg Norman and Megan Atkinson will join forces in a relay team of three alongside Narelle Smith-Haslett, with Norman running 50km and Atkinson and Smith-Haslett doing 25km each. The ladies are long-time supporters of the event.

“I’m really excited to get another team together; I just love the trails around here – it’s the beautiful scenery, the diversity of the landscape; it’s just great,” Ms Norman said.

Run by Torquay event company Rapid Ascent, the course offers a broad variety in the terrain and scenery with competitors running above and below towering sea cliffs, remote wilderness, world-class beaches, wildflower hinterland and flowing coastal trails.

Rapid Ascent anticipates the high demand on entries will continue over the next 100 days in the lead-up and is welcoming of all runners, especially locals.

“Set yourself the goal, achieve something great and gain that post race satisfaction from doing something incredible in your own backyard,” Rapid Ascent general manager Sam Maffett said.

He said there was still plenty of time to commit and train for the event.

“To get to the 100 days to go point is a good milestone for anyone with their training.

“It also sits as a good point on the calendar to tap a friend on the shoulder and encourage them to share the distance as a relay team.”

The figure-8 course takes runners from Anglesea to Torquay along the beach, returning along the clifftop tracks and hinterland trails to Moggs Creek and Aireys Inlet, before heading back to Anglesea on the Surf Coast Walk trail, via Point Roadknight.

The ultra-marathon starts and finishes in Anglesea, with the support of the Surf Coast Shire since the event’s inception in 2012.

To enter or for more information, head to SurfCoastCentury.com.au