12 YEARS OF THE SURF COAST CENTURY

WE CAN ALL AGREE THAT ULTRA TRAIL RUNNING EVENTS HAVE SURGED IN THE LAST DECADE WITH ONLY A FEW RACES IN AUSTRALIA THAT HAVE REMAINED POPULAR AND GONE THE DISTANCE; THAT HAVE CEMENTED THEMSELVES AS BUCKET-LIST EVENTS AND PROVIDED RUNNERS WITH A MAGICAL JOURNEY. THE SURF COAST CENTURY IS ONE SUCH EVENT AND ON SATURDAY, 16 SEPTEMBER 2023 IT WILL TICK OVER 12 YEARS AS ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S MUST-DO ULTRAS.

Imagine standing at the foot of giant coastal cliffs with the low tide of the Southern Ocean lapping at your feet, knowing that a magical 100km and 50km journey awaits you where no two footsteps will be the same.

The race has stood the test of time with competitors from across Australia (and the world!) heading to Victoria’s Great Ocean Road Region to experience a course that provides a journey from start to finish. With stunning views along its varied and spectacular course, matched with a welcoming atmosphere and friendly camaraderie that flares your goosebumps – it continues to tick all the boxes.

The event has a great reputation as the ideal place to run your first ultra 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.

2022 Surf Coast Century female winner Nicole Virant went from not knowing anything about trail running, to winning her first ever ultramarathon in just one year as a first-timer.

“This time last year I didn’t even know trail running was a thing so I’m quite new to it,” she says.

“I just I love it! It was gorgeous out on the Century course; I loved the climbs, the single tracks, the beach trails and those downhill faster sections. It was super fun!”

Michael Severin ran his 10th 100km Surf Coast Century last year.

“The greatest thing about the Surf Coast Century is the exploration of your own limits; to find out how far you can go and how much body and mind can achieve,” he says.

When asked why he keeps coming back to run 100km, Severin said it’s not just the diverse course in its remarkable environment, but more so the memories and lifelong friends he has made.

“Equally fulfilling is the quality of connections you can make with fellow runners – some might only last for a few hours on race day, and others can persist for many years,” he reveals.

Event organisers Rapid Ascent have stopped at nothing to secure the best possible course for this race.

The 100km race follows a figure-8 course and takes runners from Anglesea to Torquay along the beach, returning along the cliff top tracks and hinterland trails past the start finish.

Then its inland to Moggs Creek and Aireys Inlet, before heading back to Anglesea on the Surf Coast Walk trail, via Point Roadknight. The 50km course does the second-half of the 100km – with many popular highlights included on both courses.

Rapid Ascent’s Event Director Sam Maffett says the finish line is awe inspiring.

“It’s always fantastic to see competitors’ raw emotions as they cross that finish line and achieve their dreams after experiencing the spectacular coastal terrain and supportive environment,” he explains.

Runners’ experiences are enhanced over event weekend with an extensive sponsors expo, live music, food, drinks, bar and entertainment.

Entries are open online with more info at surfcoastcentury.com.au

The Surf Coast Century is one of only 6 qualifying events in the southern hemisphere for the Western States 100miler. It’s also a UTMB World Series Qualifier and its ITRA rating provides 4 Endurance Points + 2 Mountain Points for 100km finishers and 2 Endurance Points + 2 Mountain points for 50km finishers.