Surf Coast Century
Surf Coast Century Offers Cash Prize for Relay Teams
Press Release / 21.08.2023
With the 12th edition of the Surf Coast Century fast approaching, excitement is building amongst running enthusiasts with over 1,500 participants expected to converge in Anglesea, Victoria on Saturday 16th September, 2023.
The Surf Coast Century has become an annual must-do ultra trail running event in Australia since its inception in 2012 and has been renowned for luring ultra runners from across the country!
Competitors have the option to participate as individual runners in either the 100km or 50km courses, or as part of a relay team of two, three, or four runners covering the 100km course, with each member running approximately 25km.
Part of the allure for relay teams at the Century is the $2,000 cash on offer for the first and fastest team to break the 7-hour relay team course record. Team “Dawn League” were ever so close in 2022 clocking in just 17 minutes over.
With entries still open, now is the perfect time for participants to assemble their relay teams and join the excitement. Splitting the 100km course between friends allows runners to be part of the event while making the challenge more achievable and enjoyable.
Amongst the individual participants is Jayme Bergman, the female winner from our sister event - the Margaret River Ultra Marathon which was held in May this year.
Being Bergman’s first ever ultra marathon, the race winner from Esperance in Western Australia happily accepted the invitation to come east and get to know the spectacular 100km course.
“I’ve heard the coast around Anglesea is iconic, wild and it’s a place I’m definitely keen to explore,” said Bergman. “My favourite way to get to know a place is to run through it so when the opportunity to enter this event came up I couldn’t knock it back!”
Racing in his 9th Surf Coast Century is previous winner Ross Hopkins who believed event organisers Rapid Ascent put this type of race and distance on the ultra trail running radar.
“Ultra running always felt quite extreme,” said Hopkins. “I’d never met anyone who’d ran 100km so I didn’t have the belief it was possible personally.”
“I guess I was initially attracted to the challenge and hype, but also that the event offered a beautiful course with great variation; it simply captured my attention!” added Hopkins, who first ran back in 2014.
The Surf Coast Century is a celebration of perseverance, camaraderie, and the stunning natural beauty of the Great Ocean Road region in Victoria.
"It's more than just a race; it’s an opportunity for individuals and relay teams to challenge themselves and share an unforgettable journey together." said Rapid Ascent Event Director Sam Maffett.
The figure-8 course design adds to the allure of the event, guiding participants from Anglesea to Torquay along the picturesque beachfront. Runners then return via cliff top tracks and hinterland trails to Moggs Creek and Aireys Inlet before concluding their journey back in Anglesea along the scenic Surf Coast Walk trail, passing by Point Roadknight.
“Don't miss the chance to be part of this unforgettable experience!” said Maffett. “Entries are still open and we invite you to come and see just how good the ‘feel-good’ ultra is!”
To register and find out more about the Surf Coast Century, please visit the official website at www.surfcoastcentury.com.au.
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