Entries open to Surf Coast Century

RAPID Ascent has announced that entries are open to the 2018 Surf Coast Century ultra-marathon.

Local runners are encouraged to take part in the seventh edition of this trail running event that takes place in their backyard on September 15, alongside more than 1,100 runners from around Australia and overseas.

The event weekend also includes the fourth round of the Trail Running Series presented by The North Face, creating a celebration of trail running on the Surf Coast and one of Australia’s biggest trail running weekends.

The Surf Coast Century has built a solid reputation as one of Australia’s must-do trail running events.

There’s no other 100-kilometre course like it in the world. It features spectacular scenery and remote wilderness – competitors run past lighthouses, waterfalls, tall tree ferns, and along renowned surf beaches including Bells Beach.

“I loved the Surf Coast Century,” 2017 competitor Serenity Worrall said.

“It was my first ‘real’ ultra and I’m so glad it was! It was really well organised and the tracks were extremely well marked. The scenery was what it’s all about for me and it was just so beautiful.”

Rapid Ascent event manager Sam Maffett said the company was excited to be gearing up for the seventh edition of the Surf Coast Century.

“The variety in the terrain and scenery is so unique and we encourage anyone who hasn’t done it before to come and enjoy it, and those who have can look forward to creating many more unforgettable experiences in 2018. It’s the perfect goal to work towards over winter.

“We recommend it to runners tackling their first ultra marathon as it’s not overly hilly or technical. You can tackle the full 100km as a solo runner, go half the distance in the 50km race or form a relay team of four and rejoice in the camaraderie of completing an epic challenge with your mates.”

For entries and more information, head to SurfCoastCentury.com.au.