This year, The Saucony Surf Coast Trail Marathon will host the biggest number of participants yet, with many attempting their first ever half or full marathon distance.

The race is initially created to promote the Surf Coast Walk, a trail located between Torquay and Fairhaven at the southern Victoria. Over the years, the Saucony Surf Coast Trail Marathon has developed a reputation for attracting both dedicated trail runners and those crossing over from road running and other sports.

Anglesea-based organiser, Chris Ord from Tour de Trails, said,

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!

Photo Credit: Supersport Images

In particular, the Saucony Surf Coast Trail Marathon has become a favourite target for those tackling their first half or full marathon, enticed by the welcoming community that flocks around the Surf Coast event annually. Chris added,

Entries have streamed in, showing the Surf Coast is a certified hotspot for the booming sport of trail running. 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! The Surf Coast is one of the most popular places in the state for trail events and training, with the Surf Coast Trail Marathon just one event of a huge trail running calendar when you consider the region also hosts the Surf Coast Century (100km, Anglesea) in September, has just hosted Run Forrest (21km, Forrest), then there’s Bells Bash (8km, Jan Juc), the Roo Run (8km, Anglesea), and the Tim Gates Memorial Classic (10km Fairhaven).

Photo Credit: Supersport Images

Past Participations and Records

Last year, Ash Watson, a Ballarat runner and former Australian mountain running representative, set a record of 2:51:17 on what is thought to be a “tougher than it looks on paper” course.

Brett Coleman, a past record holder, will return this year in an attempt to claim back the title. In addition, Francesco Ciancio, recent Australian100km championship winner, is also in the list of participants of the Saucony Surf Coast Trail Marathon.

The record for the women’s marathon category was set by Tameka Day, once a professional triathlete ranked in Australia’s Olympic distance top ten, with 3:35:13.

Photo Credit: Supersport Images

This year, Geelong-based Tameka will be the one to watch in the half marathon as she opts for speed over distance.

The Saucony Surf Coast Trail Marathon is supported by Saucony, the Surf Coast Shire, IO Merino, Great Ocean Road Coastal Committee, Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park, Bomboras Kiosk, Surf Coast Trail Runners, Trail Run Mag, The Happy Runner, The Running Company Geelong, Tailwind Nutrition, Pro Feet Podiatry, Torquay Sports Medicine Centre, Aireys Pub, Rogue Wave Brewing, and Kongo Industries.