Thousands pack out GOR Running Festival

The Brooks Half Marathon was one of the more popular events over the two days with competitors shoulder to shoulder for the start of the 23km race. Photos: KIESER GREAT OCEAN ROAD RUNNING FESTIVAL

CLOSE to 8,000 runners taking part in races spanning 1.5km to 60km descended on the famous Great Ocean Road for the 18th edition of the Great Ocean Road Running Festival.

The two-day event invited runners of all ages to take in the breathtaking scenes of more than a dozen courses.

“It was an honour to deliver another successful Great Ocean Road Running Festival with the help of our amazing event and charity partners, volunteers and sponsors,” festival director, Brad King said.

“We want to say a big thank you to all participants who took to the tracks and spectators who offered their incredible support along the way. The atmosphere was electric, and we can’t wait to be back in May 2023.”

Kirstin Bull and Dion Finocchiaro took home the Kieser Marathon event starting in Lorne and ending in Apollo Bay, completing the 44km headline event in 3:04:28 and 2:30:20 respectively.

Winner of the female Kieser Marathon Kirstin Bull finishing in 3:04:28.

Geelong’s Sara Coulter and Ocean Grove’s Danni Rogan rounded out the podium behind Bull, adding to some of the local success over the two days.

Local wait staff battled it out on the Saturday in the Pub to Pub Waiter’s Race with Adam Laylor from Apollo Bay Distillery taking home the 2022 title in one of the more fun-filled races.

Runners jet off from the start line in the 14km Paradise Run.

Fundraising totals raised by runners have added to the event’s success in 2022, accumulating more than the $75,000 target that organisers were hoping for.

The vital funds raised for well-deserving charities include Cancer Council Victoria, Beyond Blue and the Apollo Bay & District Health Foundation (official event charity partner), will help to provide important care for communities located along the race’s route.

Ultra Marathon male winner Zackary Beasley finished in 4:05:22.

“This event falls on what was historically one of the quietest weekends of the year for tourism businesses and has now become one of the busiest weekends of the year for many,” Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism general manager Liz Price said.

“Congratulations to all those who participated and had the opportunity to experience part of the iconic Great Ocean Road journey on foot.”