June 20, 2024
Surf Coast Trail Marathon
Sublime and chilly weather and an eager running cohort took to the Surf Coast on Saturday with a local and visiting runners taking home wins in the 10th edition of the Surf Coast Trail Marathon.
Race director Chris Ord said the local support of this year’s event made the milestone occasion more memorable.
“When I see a bunch of Surf Coast Trail Runners shirts out there running, or volunteering at aid stations and on course, or I see new running groups popping up locally such as the Torquay Run Club, Anglesea Running Club and Armstrong Creek Runners, it really drives home the great running we have on our doorstep matched to a great, inclusive running community.
“As always, my biggest smile is always when runners come up afterwards with a smile and tell me about it being their first trail run, first half or first full marathon and that they love the trails and the coast and will be back.”
Half of podium places across the full and half marathon distances were filled by locals.
Winner of the first marathon event from Torquay to Fairhaven in 2014 and again in 2017, Ceres resident Brett Coleman took honours again over the weekend in a full circle moment on the day.
“I first won overall racing in the 40-plus age group, and I was lured back to this year to try to win it as a 50-plus category runner,” Mr Coleman said.
Belmont resident and open women’s marathon runner Tamara Spargo ran home for the win in three hours and 47 minutes, 15 minutes ahead of her nearest competitors in Stephanie Roland (Heidelberg, 4:02:15) and Alicia Patterson (Ballarat, 4:02:45).
Anglesea local Julian Spence won the open men’s half marathon, registering just minutes before the race began.
In the women’s half marathon, Bright-based adventure runner Lucy Clarke won solo glory in the women’s half marathon, a decision rewarded with a 1:47:10 time across the line in first place.
Mr Ord’s company, Tour de Trails, will host its next local event, the Afterglow Night Trail Run, famous for its florescent wardrobe and night-time setting, later this year.
“It’s a heavy issue for such a light-hearted run, but we’re hoping to keep the colour and levity, while also sparking some important discussions that are needed in our community, so stay tuned for that event, happening December 7.”
Find out more about Afterglow Night Trail Run.
Read full Surf Coast Times story.
Photo credit: Anglesea runner Julian Spence finished first in the open men’s half marathon with a time of 1:22:42. Photos: AARON COLLINS
