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<\/p>\nROSS Hopkins slashed more than 20 minutes off his previous winning time to claim victory in the Surf Coast Century.<\/p>\n
The 100km ultra marathon held over the weekend was one of the first mass-participation events along the Surf Coast since the onset of COVID-19 restrictions. The event also offered a 50km course.<\/p>\n
Hopkins ran an impressive time of 8 hours, 38 minutes and 29 seconds to take the honours in the ninth running of the race, which began and ended in Anglesea.<\/p>\n
He took a slow and steady approach to the race, a different tactic to previous years.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a long way out there and over the years I\u2019ve learnt to pace myself a little bit. I went out steady at the start even though there were a few in front of me, but I was confident I could hang in there all day,\u201d Hopkins said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s my fastest time over 100km so I\u2019m very happy with that time. Dave (Eadie\u2019s) training program worked out really well for me today.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Matthew Crehan (8:49:11) and Matthew Whitake (8:59:26) rounded out the top three in the men\u2019s field.<\/p>\n
Sarah Hedger took out the 100km overall female category in a time of 10:13:22 in just her second 100km ultra marathon, beating her best time from last year.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had such a good run last year, I didn\u2019t think it could get any better than that,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI went out a bit slower and steadier this year, I felt a bit lonely but the volunteers were so good and encouraging out there. I guess that\u2019s the joy of trail running, all the highs and lows are worth it.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Surf Coast Century is organised by Torquay-based Rapid Ascent, and event director Sam Maffett was thrilled to see such a race be able to be put on again, with fields just shy of capacity.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo see competitors\u2019 dreams come to life at the event after many months of training, sacrifices and COVID setbacks and unknowns has made this year\u2019s Century one of our most memorable races to date.\u201d<\/p>\n
Corey Milner (3:46:40) won the men\u2019s 50km run while Victoria Cole (4:32:21) won the women\u2019s 50km.<\/p>\n
The Surf Coast Shire supported the event.<\/p>\n
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ROSS Hopkins slashed more than 20 minutes off his previous winning time to claim victory in the Surf Coast Century. The 100km ultra marathon held over the weekend was one of the first mass-participation events along the Surf Coast since the onset of COVID-19 restrictions. The event also offered a 50km course. Hopkins ran an […]<\/p>\n