Young ultra trail star to take on Surf Coast Century

ULTRA trail running rising star Zoe Manning will lace up at the starting line of this year’s Surf Coast Century 100km on September 13.

Starting and finishing in Anglesea, the event is one of Australia’s premier ultra trail marathons, boasting a welcoming environment, achievable course and incredible scenery.

Manning is fresh off being crowned the 2024 AUTRA Young Female Ultra Runner of the Year and is gearing up to take on the 100km event for the first time.

For the 23-year-old, her journey into ultra running began as a way to rediscover her love for running and connect with a community who share her adventurous spirit.

“I wanted a new adventure with a relaxed and community-oriented atmosphere,” she said.

“It was never really about competing at an elite level – it was more about seeing what I could push myself to, while loving the sport and the people around me.”

Physical endurance is only part of the challenge in ultra racing, with mental resilience and emotional growth just as important.

 

For many runners, Manning included, the solitude of the trails and the connection to the natural world fuels them.

“It feels like the world is moving so fast in the city,” she said.

“Ultra racing helps me let the energy out – it’s where I find peace.

“There have been times I’m in pain, crying, and suddenly I’ll start laughing. It’s a reminder that the pain is only physical, and my heart still loves this.”

This year’s Surf Coast Century marks the 14th edition of the event and features improvements including an enhanced recovery zone, new start procedure, a feel-good ambassador program and more.

Along with the 100km run, participants also have the option to complete the 50km individual trail run and 100km relay teams of two to four runners.

In the 100km course, competitors run from Anglesea to Torquay along the beach, returning along the cliff top tracks and hinterland trails to Moggs Creek and Aireys Inlet, before heading back to Anglesea on the Surf Coast Walk trail, via Point Roadknight.

 

Meanwhile, 50km runners will do the first half of the 100km course.

Manning is excited to hit the trails and take in the coastal views of the course.

“My club members raved about the scenery and the community vibe at the Surf Coast Century. I’ve never run on sand before, so I’m really looking forward to that challenge too,” she said.

As she prepares to take on the coming challenge, the young runner has got her signature pre-race breakfast locked in.

“It’s always pancakes,” she said.

“I’ve had them before nearly every race for over a decade. I even hide a square of chocolate in the middle now for a bit of race-day magic.”

Manning will be one to watch when the event returns later this year, with Torquay-based organiser Rapid Ascent’s general manager Sam Maffett also encouraging locals to join in.

“It’s the ideal place to run an ultra-trail marathon, whether that’s on your own or in a relay team running approximately 25km each – the course is in your backyard,” he said.

For more information and to enter, head to surfcoastcentury.com.au

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