About 1300 competitors competed in the 12th Surf Coast Century on Saturday 16 September 2023 in Anglesea.
Half the field competed as individuals over the 100km and 50km courses and the remaining half participated in a relay team of two, three, or four runners over the 100km course, running approximately 25km each.
Sam Maffett of Torquay-based event organisers Rapid Ascent expressed his admiration for the competitors’ remarkable efforts and the unwavering encouragement from supporters.
“There’s something magic about setting foot before dawn, watching the sun rise as it reveals stunning beaches, golden cliffs, turquoise water and towering ironbark trees – it really does inspire awe, and that’s exactly what we witnessed,” he said.
“But there was something even more inspiring than the course’s backdrop today – and it was all our magnificent runners and supporters.”
Claiming victory in the 100km premier race was Andy McConnell from Canberra and Jayme Bergman (WA), clocking impressive times of 08:52:48 and 09:54:94, respectively.
The figure-8 course design course took 100km competitors from Anglesea to Torquay along the beach, returning along the cliff top tracks and hinterland trails to Moggs Creek and Aireys Inlet; before heading back to Anglesea on the Surf Coast Walk trail, via Point Roadknight. Whilst the 50km course did the second half of the 100km.
Competitors continued to cross the finish line late into the evening, with the final 100km solo competitor finishing just past midnight.
“It was fantastic to see competitors’ raw emotions as they crossed that finish line, achieving their dreams that were once thought only just that,” Maffett said.
“The trail running community is known as a very friendly, social and welcoming group – it’s a real highlight for us in putting together this event for all to relish.”
