The Surf Coast Century upholds its’ position as a must-do ultra marathon with an influx of solo competitors from across the Nation securing their spot within 24 hours of entries opening.
Entries opened to the 11th edition of the event on Wednesday 23 March, 7 months ahead of race day on 17 September at Anglesea in Victoria’s Great Ocean Road region.
As an indication of the Century’s popularity, entrants from all states of Australia are already represented with 68% new to the event as first-timers, including Queenslander Craig Toomey who’s brother Cameron is flying out from Auckland, NZ to run together.
Rapid Ascent anticipate that the high demand on entries will continue over the next 6 months with over 1,500 runners expected to chase their goals come race day.
“Set yourself the goal, achieve something great and gain that post race satisfaction from doing something incredible! We welcome you to be part of all this and more in September,” said Sam Maffett, General Manager at Rapid Ascent.
Conducted by local event company Rapid Ascent, the course offers a broad variety in the terrain and scenery with competitors running above and below 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.
Rapid Ascent is proud to have purposefully formed a couple of new partnerships for the 2022 event with local groups Bethany Community Support, and The Friends of the Eastern Otways.
“Participants have the opportunity to make their run count by joining a corporate relay team and/or raising funds for Bethany, who help support women and children who have experienced family violence,” said Maffett.
“In terms of The Friends of the Eastern Otways, Rapid Ascent highly values the natural environment where we run, walk and live; so we wanted to increase our conservation and understanding of the unique landscape we race through, and the animals and plants that live here,” added Maffett.
As part of this, Rapid Ascent are aiming to reduce the consumption of resources and waste going to landfill and will be making a cash donation to The Friends of the Eastern Otways in lieu of all competitors receiving a t-shirt as part of their entry fee.
Each race starts and finishes in Anglesea, with the support of the Surf Coast Shire behind the bucket-list event since its inception in 2012.
“We are excited to see the event come to life once again on the Surf Coast and can’t wait to be caught up in the emotions that encompass the finish line enthusiasm of supporters and finishers!” said Maffett.
The Surf Coast Century has built a reputation as one of Australia’s must-do trail running events due to its unique course features that showcases the Great Ocean Road region of Victoria.
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 information at www.SurfCoastCentury.com.au
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