Surf Coast Century 2018 100km & 50km ultra marathon
Entries Open For Spectacular Surf Coast Century Ultra Marathon
Press Release / 06.03.2018
Rapid Ascent is excited to announce that entries are open to the 2018 Surf Coast Century, an ultra marathon that takes competitors on an extraordinary journey below towering sea cliffs, along remote beaches, and through the captivating wildflower hinterland of Victoria’s Great Ocean Road region.
The seventh edition of the Surf Coast Century will start and finish in Anglesea on Saturday 15th September, with over 1,100 runners from around Australia and overseas expected to participate in the 100km and 50km, solo and team events.
The Surf Coast Century has built a solid reputation as one of Australia's must-do trail running events; there’s no other 100km course like it in the world - it features spectacular scenery and remote wilderness; competitors run past lighthouses, waterfalls, tall tree ferns, and along renowned surf beaches such as Bells Beach.
It is also regarded as the perfect event for first time ultra marathon runners with great on course support, accessible trails, and flat and non-technical terrain.
"I loved the Surf Coast Century,” said Serenity Worrall, 2017 competitor. “It was my first "real" ultra and I'm so glad it was! It was really well organised and the tracks were extremely well marked. The scenery was what it's all about for me and it was just so beautiful.”
The 100km course can be completed by individual runners or relay teams (of up to four competitors). There’s also a 50km solo option that makes the step into ultra-distance races easier for those not quite ready to tackle the full 100km.
The course is very accessible for support crews and friends to clap and cheer runners along the way, as well as several checkpoints and race kitchens for refuelling.
"Words and photos don't do justice to this magnificent race. The scenery is incredible, with access to areas that you would never usually have the opportunity to see. The support on the course from other runners, volunteers and those cheering on from the sidelines really helps to keep you moving towards the finish line. This challenging event is a must for anyone looking for a change of scenery!" Abbey Gordon, 2017 competitor.
The course design is a figure eight with Anglesea being the start, half way point, finish and the event hub. This enables great spectator access the whole way around which lends itself to a really supportive event atmosphere.
The event is organised by Rapid Ascent, an adventure sports event management company that is well-known for hosting challenging and professional off-road events.
“We are so excited to be gearing up for the seventh edition of the Surf Coast Century,” said Event Manager Sam Maffett from Rapid Ascent.
“The variety in the terrain and scenery is so unique and we encourage anyone who hasn’t done it before to come and enjoy it, and those who have can look forward to creating many more unforgettable experiences in 2018. It’s the perfect goal to work towards over winter.
“We recommend it to runners tackling their first ultra marathon as it’s not overly hilly or technical. You can tackle the full 100km as a solo runner, go half the distance in the 50km race or form a relay team of four and rejoice in the camaraderie of completing an epic challenge with your mates,” said Maffett.
The event weekend kicks off with an elite athlete Q and A on Friday 14th September at the Anglesea Riverbank Park event expo, the racing begins early Saturday 15th with the 100km mass start on Anglesea Main Beach, and continues through the day and into the night as all runners cross the finish line. Sunday features the ever popular Kids’ Run, the fourth round of the Trail Running Series presented by The North Face as well as the official Surf Coast Century presentations.
To register or find out more about the Surf Coast Century visit www.SurfCoastCentury.com.au
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