A record field of runners will contest a fourth annual marathon along the Surf Coast this weekend, organisers have announced.
Many entrants in the half and full-length events would compete in their first Saucony Surf Coast Trail Marathon, the organisers said.
The race was launched to highlight Surf Coast Walk but had developed a reputation for attracting both dedicated trail runners and athletes crossing over from road and multisport disciplines, Anglesea-based organiser Chris Ord said.
“In particular, it has become a favourite target for those tackling their first half or full marathon, lured by the welcoming community that congregates around the Surf Coast event annually.
“It’s something we’ve always been extremely proud of, that people will choose the Surf Coast Trail Marathon as their first distance trail running event. Indeed, many report that it is their first ever run on trails.
“That’s what the Surf Coast Trail Marathon is about: being a fun, welcoming event for all runners be they fast or shall we say more relaxed in their pacing.
The number of entries for this year’s event demonstrated that the Surf Coast was now a “certified hotspot for the booming sport of trail running”, Ord said.
“It just goes to show the strong attraction our landscapes and trails have for runners. We’ve even got people flying in from the United States specifically to run the event.”
Ord expected competitors to also set record for “pointy end performances”.
He tipped likely high-performers in the men’s competitions as Ballarat’s former Australian mountain running representative, Ash Watson, along with Geelong’s Brett Coleman and Australian 100km championship winner Francesco Ciancio.
In the women’s fields Ord liked the chances of Geelong’s Tameka Day, who holds the course record of 3:35:13.
