Lonnie local takes out Mountain to Surf

LOCAL legend and Point Lonsdale resident Nick Wightman has claimed his second Lorne Mountain to Surf.

The Rip to River winner completed the 8km event in 23:22, beating out Thom Bowers by 17 seconds, followed by Matt Gunther in third.

“To get out in front before the forest was my aim and to then come out onto the Great Ocean Road with maybe a 50-100m lead was great,” Wightman said after the race.

“I had a quick look back as we were coming in closer to the finish line and could see where the others were behind me; it felt comfortable, and I was able to hold them off for a win.

“The Mountain to Surf is a different race from most fun runs, many are on the road and some on the beach, but this one’s different with a portion on the single-lane track through the forest.

“You won’t find yourself in a pack. Even though you’re racing with thousands of people, you can’t really hear or see many other runners around you, other than maybe the person right behind you.”

In the women’s race, Richmond runner Eleanor Raper secured her first win with a time of 28:15.

In a tight finish, Anna Coldham crossed the finish line just one second behind. Karla Tweweek rounded out the female placegetters with a time of 28.21.

“This is my second Mountain to Surf; I competed pre-COVID and was keen to come back to the in-person event this year,” Raper said following the win.

“I really enjoyed the run, this track mixes it up and keeps the experience interesting. You feel great once you get to the top of the hills, knowing you’re over the biggest hurdle and can have some fun coming into the home straight.

“I would definitely recommend doing some hills if you’re training for this run. Taking the time to look at the course before the event, even if it’s just the night before, helped me plan how to pace the run.”

Almost 2,000 runners of all ages and abilities competed in the race that started on the coastal town’s sports ground and finished at the Lorne Surf Life Saving Club.

The 43rd Powercor Lorne Pier to Pub, set to take place tomorrow, will showcase one of the best elite fields to appear at the event.

Tomorrow’s sold out open water swim will feature 5,000 swimmers, starting in ‘waves’ from 11am, with the elite ‘Superfish’ at 2pm (female) and 3pm (male).

Returning champions Hayden Cotter and Lani Pallister will be going for four in a row.