Surf Coast mayor keen to join Afterglow movement

NEXT Saturday’s Afterglow Night Trail Run will welcome hundreds of fluorescently dressed runners of all different backgrounds, including the local mayor.

Surf Coast Shire mayor Liz Pattinson will join more than 500 expected trail-goers as part of this year’s Afterglow fun run, which prepares to enter its ninth year on the Surf Coast.

Cr Pattinson said the Afterglow Night Trail Run held a special place on the Surf Coast events calendar, and was still operated by local run event company Tour de Trails.

“It’s a one-of-a-kind event, where it’s as much about the glow, the fluoro fashion, and the retro tunes as it is about the trail running.

“Loved for its quirkiness, the Afterglow Night Trail Run puts the fun back into running.”

This year’s fun run offers three separate course distances for participants to undertake from as far as Point Addis to Torquay along the Surf Coast’s coastal trail network – 5km, 13km, and 21km.

A range of entertainment acts will be providing a lively atmosphere along the course including DJs, a saxophone artist and fire twirlers.

“I think events like the Afterglow Night Trail Run are such a good reminder of the wide array of events happening across the Surf Coast Shire every year,” Cr Pattinson said.

“These events all add to the fun, vibrancy, and appeal of our region for both locals and visitors. Plus they provide an important boost for local businesses and our tourism industry. Council is again happy to support the Afterglow event.

“I hope anyone who sees me in my bright colours running past gives me a wave.”

Tour de Trails director Chris Ord said the Afterglow Night Trail Run continues to be a staple on the local trail running calendar.

“Participants take part in this event simply because it is the funnest of fun runs.

“There are not many other runs that have the same entertainment factor, inclusivity, and welcoming atmosphere.

“It is a great way to be introduced to trail running, so come along and join in, it’s not a super-hard trail and it is completely achievable for everybody.

“We just hope for better weather this year after last year’s downpour, but even then it was such an enjoyable event in 2022.”

Mr Ord credited a large part of the event operations to the team of volunteers found through Tour de Trails’ partnerships through local running groups.

For more information on this year’s Afterglow Night Trail Run, head to afterglowtrailrun.com