The Surf Coast Century took the Great Ocean Road by storm, with the event hosting its largest number of runners for its 13th year.
Close to 1500 runners participated in the solo 100km and 50km ultra trail marathon runs and a 100km relay team course that started and finished in Anglesea on Saturday, September 21.
The 100km ultra-marathon winners were Queensland’s Holly Ranson, with a nine-hour and three-minute course completion time, and Victoria’s Nigel Hill, with an eight-hour and 49-minute time.
“I knew it would be tough, but I also knew what I was aiming for, and the course was so beautiful and stunning with so many different types of terrain,” Ms Ranson said.
“It’s funny because I have been avoiding this event like the plague. I really hate sand, but I entered for something different to do this year and I had a really good experience out there,” Mr Hill said.
Miah Noble was the 50km ultra trail marathon female winner after she crossed the finish line in under four hours, and Matthew Whitaker was the 50km male winner with a time of three hours and 28 minutes.
The 100km overall relay team winners were Buster Burchell, with team members Laura Burchell, Will Newton, Andrew Burchell and Kieran Moore completing the course in under eight hours.
Rapid Ascent general manager Sam Maffett said it was a “privilege” to share the event with every runner and supporter who “spent hour upon hour battling the elements”.
“Seeing competitors and supporters sharing in this unforgettable journey together is simply awe-inspiring,” he said.
“The courses’ backdrop in such a beautiful part of Australia really does add to this, with memories made, goals achieved, and celebrations.”
