Visit Victoria supports a citizen runner that is representing Malaysia, Edan Syah, will be joining in the upcoming Great Ocean Road Running Festival (GORRF) 2018, as he aims to break his running record in his first 60km run. Each year, Edan strives to work at breaking his own record time by taking part in numerous large and renowned marathons all around the world. With his previous 42km run at 2 hours and 30 minutes, will he be able to beat the clock for his first ultra-marathon run in GORRF?

Photo Credit: Great Ocean Road Running Festival 2018

About GORRF

GORRF will be held in a beautiful and unique area of Victoria, Australia on the Southern Ocean. The fourteenth edition of GORRF will be taking place on 19 and 20 May with the event offering one of the most amazing marathons in the world.

The Great Ocean Road is an icon in Australia and is known throughout the world for its beauty and panoramic views of the Southern Ocean. It has a colourful history surrounding its construction and ultimate destinations along the coastline.

The course stretches along the coastal towns from Lorne to Apollo Bay and all distance runners can soak up some of Australia's most picturesque beaches and breathtaking views during the annual two-day running festival.

The stretch between Lorne and Apollo Bay is considered by many to be the most scenic section of the Great Ocean Road. The highway is carved into sheer cliffs that drop away into the ocean, offering commanding views of the waves from Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean rising and crashing onto the rocks and beaches below.

Outside of Apollo Bay, the road winds through the centre of the Great Otway National Park with its beautiful untouched rainforest, before coming back to embrace the coast for the entire length of the Port Campbell National Park. This is the most famous section of the Great Ocean Road featuring an astonishing collection of rock formations known as the 12 Apostles which have been carved out of the headland by the powerful waves of the Southern Ocean.

Photo Credit: Great Ocean Road Running Festival 2018

Edan's thoughts

When Edan was asked about his upcoming challenge, he said,

It was since 2015 that I was in Melbourne to take part in the Medibank Melbourne Marathon, Australia. Melbourne is the sporting capital of Australia so I cannot wait to return there and hopefully break a record time at my first ultra-marathon. I have done some research and I am at awe with the sights I am about to experience while I try to hit a milestone in my running career – I believe the stunning views will be a pleasant inspiration

Do you think Edan Syah will be able to beat the clock for the 60km ultra marathon?