September 15, 2023
Surf Coast ready
A popular local ultra marathon is gearing up for its 12th edition this Saturday, with more than 1,300 participants locked in to participate.
The Surf Coast Century will return to Anglesea and to draw elite runners and relay teams from across the country.
More than 650 people will be taking part as individual runners in either the 100km or 50km course, while the remaining field will participate in a relay team of two, three or four runners.
The figure-eight course design will take athletes from Anglesea to Torquay along the beach, atop the cliffs and through the hinterland trails to Moggs Creek and Aireys Inlet and then return back to Anglesea via Point Roadknight.
Event organiser from Rapid Ascent, Sam Maffett said the “bucket-list” event was sure to be a fantastic celebration of perseverance and camaraderie.
“It’s more than just a race; it’s an opportunity for individuals and relay teams to challenge themselves and share an unforgettable journey together in a beautiful part of Australia.
“We invite you to come and see just how good the ‘feel-good’ ultra is – whether as spectator or competitor!”
Among the individual participants is previous Surf Coast Century winner and nine-time participant Ross Hopkins.
“I guess I was initially attracted to the challenge and hype of ultra running, but also that the event offered a beautiful course with great variation; it simply captured my attention,” he said.
Anglesea resident Sarah Park will also be throwing her joggers on for the event and leading a team of four local women named BPM.
“It’ll be the first time three of our team members will be doing the Surf Coast Century which is really exciting.
“I’ve actually entered the event three times before, but every time I’ve gotten injured or sick before the race and haven’t been able to compete!
“Our team have been doing plenty of panic training in the lead-up, but its given us a great chance to catch-up and exercise together.
“We’ve called our team BPM as a nod to how high our heart rates will be, but we are looking forward to it.”
A $2,000 cash prize will be on offer if a team can break the seven-hour relay team course.
Team ‘Dawn League’ were ever so close in 2022, clocking in just 17 minutes over the milestone.
Post-event, the celebrations will continue at the Anglesea Surf Life Saving Club, with presentations, recovery activities, BBQ and the Meli Kids Run all on the agenda.
Further event information can be found here.
Read Surf Coast Times story here.
Image credit: Team BPM members Sarah Park, Alexandra Brown and Wendy McAlpine at Bird Rock in Jan Juc. Photo: NATHAN RIVALLAND
