100 days to go, countdown on for incredible Surf Coast Century

Rapid Ascent is excited to commence the 100-day countdown to the 2017 Surf Coast Century, the incredible 100km ultra marathon held on the local Surf Coast on 9th September at the holiday township of Anglesea.

The occasion was marked with a gathering of former champions, event ambassadors, local politicians and the Surf Coast Shire Mayor Brian McKiterick on part of the race course this morning at Southside Beach.

“The Surf Coast prides itself on events and with our iconic Great Ocean Road it’s a fantastic place where people want to have their events, so we’re encouraging events to come to the Surf Coast,” Mayor McKiterick said.

“This is a fantastic event that will help the economy but also put Torquay and Anglesea on the map as well. We’re very proud to be involved.”

The sixth edition of the Surf Coast Century is expected to attract over 1,000 runners from around Australia and overseas who will participate in either the 100km and 50km, solo and relay team running events through both the South Barwon and Polwarth districts.

Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan said he was a big supporter of the event and recommended people to come down to the Surf Coast and Otways to enjoy it.

“We’ve got an event that in the weekends leading up, and of course on the big day in early September that will bring people to enjoy everything we have in this part of the world, the coastline, the hinterland, and our township.

“It’s fantastic an organisation like Rapid Ascent go to the effort of organising a major event, do the promotion and bring people to our wonderful part of the world in the off season.

“Bring your friends, bring your family, come down and have a great time.”
The event is organised by Rapid Ascent, an adventure sports event management company that is based on the Surf Coast and well-known for hosting challenging off-road events.

“We are excited to count down towards the sixth edition of the Surf Coast Century,” said Event Manager Sam Maffett.

“This is a big event on the Australian ultra-running calendar and for the Surf Coast region and we appreciate the support of the dignitaries gathered today and wanted to share the excitement as we get closer to this pinnacle event.

“A lot of people are training for this event right now and we respect and appreciate the commitment they have given the event. When preparing for a big goal it is good to break it down into smaller steps, so to get to the 100 days to go point is a great achievement for anyone.”

The Surf Coast Century has built a solid reputation as one of Australia's must-do trail running events with a varied course that includes beach running below towering cliffs, weaving single track through the hinterland past waterfalls and wild flowers, and cliff top trails past lighthouses and secluded beaches as part of the 100km journey.

It is also considered to be an ideal event for those tackling their first ultra marathon as the course is challenging yet achievable, event logistics are easy and the event vibe is very supportive.

Surf Coast Century former champion David Eadie said running 100km is the new running challenge.
“Marathon runners are stepping up to a hundred; you’ve got housewives to blokes that have kicked addiction coming to do 100km trail races,” Eadie said.

“They’re looking for an iconic event, and it doesn’t get much better than this. The camaraderie is what makes it; people want to experience that. It’s not great at the front, I tell you, you run on your own you don’t talk to anyone, but if you go down the back and run with some of these other people it’s a much better experience.”

The 100km course can be completed by individual runners or relay teams of up to four competitors. There’s also a 50km solo option that will be held over a new course in 2017 that makes the step into ultra-distance races easier for those not quite ready to tackle the full 100km.

The 2016 event generated over 7,000 bed nights for the region and a direct economic impact of $3.2million to the local economy, helping to establish the region as a key event destination.
To register or find out more about the Surf Coast Century visit www.SurfCoastCentury.com.au