Surf Coast to light up for trail marathon

MORE than 1,000 people are expected to lace up their runners and compete in the Anglesea Trail Running Race.

The July 6 event will see racers take on four course options including the challenging 28km marathon, 15km, 8km dash and 4km friendly run.

The event will commence on the white sand of Anglesea Main Beach, before heading off to explore a range of coastal bushland, clifftop trails and sandy beaches along the Great Ocean Road.

Several local competitors have already jumped on board and entered the event, including Irene Brackin of Bells Beach.

 

Brackin recently won the half marathon of the Surf Coast Trail Marathon after only entering her first trail run a mere few weeks ago.

“I was on the couch scrolling for races – remembering how much I love the thrill of them – and found the local trail runs which offered glorious kilometres of ocean views, rugged cliffs, and bushland serenity right in my backyard! So how could I not race then?”

“It’s my new favourite obsession – the high, the trails, the simplicity, just me, my shoes, and a path to follow.

“Trail runners are honestly the nicest humans out there; you don’t just race with people, you connect with them through the adventure of it all!”

 

Conducted by Torquay event management company Rapid Ascent, the Anglesea event marks stop two of the Trail Running Series.

Event organisers encouraged more locals and visitors to get their entries in up until race morning.

“Like Irene, we are lucky enough to call these magnificent coastal trails home, and we can’t wait to see all runners regardless of ability embrace them at the event,” event director Sam Maffett said.

“By providing a welcoming environment, food, coffee and family activities; and showcasing little-known trails – we’ve pulled together all the good bits that make trail running incredibly rewarding.”

For more event information and how to secure your entry to the July 6, head to the website at trailrunningseries.com.au