Runners Bolt Out Of The Gate To Enter Surf Coast Century 2019

Press Release / 21.03.2019

Runners were bursting at the seams this week when online entries opened for Surf Coast Century 2019. Entries officially opened at 12PM on Wednesday 20 March.

A discount code made available to the first 50 registrations was "scooped up in about five minutes flat," according to Sam Maffett, General Manager of Rapid Ascent. "Around 90 entries were received inside 30 minutes and there were about 120 after an hour," said Maffett.

Total registrations after 24 hours were in excess of 170—more than double the same period in 2018. "I got so excited I forgot to use the code…can't wait!" said Libby Nuttal on Facebook after she entered.

The 8th edition of the Surf Coast Century will start and finish in Anglesea on Saturday 21 September. Participation in the event has grown by about 15-20 % each year since inception. Current entry figures suggest this trajectory is likely to continue.

The 2018 event attracted 1,120 runners and 2,600 spectators from all over Australia and contributed $4 million dollars to the Surf Coast economy. Runners participate by competing in either 100km or 50km races or as a relay team of up to four runners. More than 1,100 runners are expected to participate in the 100km and 50km, solo and team events in 2019.

"The Century takes competitors on a journey along towering sea cliffs, remote beaches, and captivating wildflower hinterland" said Race Director John Jacoby. "And all this in a hare's breath of the Great Ocean Road."

The event has built a solid reputation as one of Australia's 'bucket-list' trail running events. And it's one of the more unique 100km ultra courses in the world. Adding to spectacular scenery and remote wilderness, die-hard runners skim past lighthouses, waterfalls, tall tree ferns, and sacred surf beaches like Bells Beach.

First time ultra-marathoners can take comfort in the knowledge they'll receive professional on-course support. Plus, they'll be running accessible trails and flat, non-technical terrain.

The 50km solo and team options make the step into ultra-distance races easier for those not quite ready to tackle the 100km behemoth.

"Experiencing the Surf Coast Century as part of a team was the best way to be introduced to ultra-events. The course was spectacular and challenging, it was a fantastic weekend," said Jo-Anne Thurgood after the 2018 Surf Coast Century.

The course design is a figure eight with Anglesea being the start, half-way point, finish, and event hub. Access points for support crews and friends to clap and cheer runners along the way are abundant. Adding to this are several checkpoints and race kitchens for refuelling.

"We are so excited to be gearing up for the eighth edition of the Surf Coast Century and can't wait for September to come around," said Sam Maffett from Rapid Ascent who lives in Anglesea and runs the local trails just about every day!

"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 2019. It's the perfect goal to work towards over winter," said Maffett.

Runners can register or find out more about the Surf Coast Century at www.SurfCoastCentury.com.au.

EVENT OVERVIEW:

When: Saturday 21st September 2019
Where: Start/Finish in Anglesea, Victoria - Great Ocean Road
What: 100km and 50km ultra trail runs
How: Do the 100km or 50km solo; or the 100km in a Relay Team of 2, 3 or 4 people
Who: Australia's elite runners through to those tackling their first ultra marathon, groups of friends and corporate groups - you're all welcome.
Entries: NOW OPEN www.surfcoastcentury.com.au