April 6, 2023
The feel good ultra opens entries
As one of Australia’s must-do ultra’s, the Surf Coast Century guarantees you’ll get all the feels of this feel good ultra with entries now open for the 12th edition of the race.
Taking place on Saturday 16 September 2023 at Anglesea in Victoria’s Great Ocean Road Region, over 1,500 runners are expected to toe the start line.
Conducted by Torquay-based event company Rapid Ascent, the course offers a broad variety in the terrain and scenery with competitors running via towering sea cliffs, remote wilderness, world-class beaches, wildflower hinterland and flowing coastal trails.
Competitors can enter as an individual runner in the 50km or 100km courses, or in a relay team of two, three or four runners over the 100km course, covering approximately 25km each.
First established in 2012, the event offers so much more than just an achievable and varied course – it takes competitors on a spectacular journey with stunning views matched with a welcoming atmosphere and friendly camaraderie throughout.
“It’s always fantastic to see competitors experience a race that gives them so much; the spectacular coastal terrain and the supportive environment,” said Sam Maffett, General Manager at Rapid Ascent. “We welcome all runners to be part of all this and more in September!”
The event has a great reputation as the ideal place to run your first ultra marathon thanks to its relatively flat and non-technical course, the seven checkpoints evenly spread along the route, and the support services and competitor care provided along the way.
So it’s no surprise that many past participants and previous winners have fond memories of the race.
“Everything about the event felt so good; from conversations with other runners on course, to the beautiful views along the way!” - Nicole virant, 2022 Surf Coast Century female winner.
“I love running in this beautiful environment – it’s a big motivator and that’s why I keep coming back,” – Sarah Hedger, 2020 female winner.
“I was a bit nervous as a first timer, but all the volunteers and other competitors are so supportive and encouraging,” – Kate, 2022 solo participant.
“A brilliant ultra in terms of variation in the trail, the views and the organisation – all with a beautiful local feel,” – David, 2022 solo participant.
With the support of the Surf Coast Shire behind the event, Surf Coast Shire Mayor Cr Liz Pattison said the Surf Coast Century had cemented itself as a standout endurance race on the Surf Coast Events calendar.
“Council has been delighted to support the Surf Coast Century and looks forward to the 12th edition of the event,” Mayor Pattison said. “We want to see events that encourage people to stay longer and appreciate and care for this place, particularly in the off-peak season; the Surf Coast Century ticks this box.”
“I urge any visitors who are signing up to tackle the event to consider staying a night or two on the Surf Coast to soak up everything that makes our region so wonderful – from the beach and the bush which they’ll experience first-hand, to food, markets and more,” continued Mayor Pattison.
Rapid Ascent will also be continuing its’ partnerships with local groups Bethany Community Support, and The Friends of the Eastern Otways.
The figure-8 course takes runners 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.
Entries are now open online, with further event informatio here.
