News: Surf Coast Century

Press Release

Surf Coast Century - 2021

13 Jul, 2021 (Tue)

Interstate rivalry with past winners lining up for the Surf Coast Century The 10th edition of the Surf Coast Century is cementing its’ reputation as one of Australia’s must-do ultra trail marathons, attracting a number of past winners from ultra running events across the country. Held on Saturday 11 September 2021 in Victoria’s Great Ocean Road Region, the Surf Coast Century will see previous winners Kellie Angel (nee Emmerson), Ash Watson, Ross Hopkins, David Eadie and Sarah Hedger all from Victoria line up on the 100km start line. The fast five will be up against a formidable trio from Western Australia – Justin Scarvaci, Claire O’Brien-Smith and Meghann Coffey all of whom have won the Margaret River Ultra Marathon (MRUltra) which is also organized by Rapid Ascent. The WA trio of Scarvaci, O’Brien-Smith and Coffey were lured by the race’s spectacular course, prestigious reputation and for the chance to have a hit-out against many of Victoria’s best ultra runners. Each have their eyes firmly focused on a podium finish. “I want to push the pace in Victoria!” said 2019 and 2020 MRUltra male winner, Scarvaci. Coffey set a new MRUltra course record earlier this year and is excited for the chance to race in Victoria; “It’s in such a spectacular place and there will be so many amazing runners, but I’m hoping to do WA proud!” said Coffey. 2020 MRUltra female winner O’Brien-Smith said she’s well prepared for the 100km; “I’m looking forward to more kilometers at the Century and feel I’ll be well prepared for the course – I’m including some sand running, hills, intervals and getting out on the trails as much as possible.” The Surf Coast Century and Margaret River Ultra Marathon have a brother/sister relationship where the winners of each event are invited to race in the adjacent event. 2021 will be the first time the Century will feature a stacked field of Victorian past winners racing against past winners from the WA sister event. Kellie Angel (nee Emmerson) of Victoria won the Century in 2014, 2015 and 2016 and still holds the female 100km course record at 9hr03.24. Kellie had some sound advice for the west Australians; “I would be wary about Urqhart’s beach during Leg 4; I was running so hard to try and make sub 9 hours in 2016 but the soft sand on Urqhart’s got the better of me!” said Angel. The Century’s male course record holder Ash Watson is also returning for the 10 year anniversary after twice winning the event in 2018 and 2019 where he reset his course record to an eye-watering 7hr57. Watson hasn’t raced much since 2019 and struggled with motivation through COVID times. But he’s back with a vengeance now and will leave nothing to chance as he prepares for another tilt at the title. “It was very difficult for me to train hard through 2020 with the uncertainty of COVID. There were times I was able to get fit for events but having them cancelled left me feeling quite unmotivated at times,” said Watson. “I went in with the goal of breaking 8hr for my 2019 Century race and it was extremely satisfying to be able to accomplish the goal that I had set out prior to the race,” added Watson. “I would like to win the race again this year but there’s definitely plenty of competition and anything can happen in an ultra marathon so I don’t take anything for granted.” 2020 Century winners Ross Hopkins and Sarah Hedger have nothing but praise for the 100km course and can’t wait to share the experience with other runners. “This is a ripper of an event; incredibly well organised, stunning scenery and a very supportive and encouraging atmosphere,” said Hopkins who also won the event in 2017. “Much of my joy and exhilaration from running comes from being immersed in the natural environment that the Century encompasses.” Hedger says, “The course far exceeded the expectations I had of myself and I love running in beautiful environments – they’re a big motivator.” “It was a good day where things went my way (in 2020) and I was very grateful and happy about that,” added Hedger. To celebrate 10 years and to welcome back past winners, the event has a number of new initiatives in place that will enhance the runners’ experience such as a post-race athlete lounge, and recovery activities and celebrations the day after racing. The course takes competitors from Anglesea to Torquay along the beach and then along the cliff top tracks and hinterland trails to Moggs Creek and Aireys Inlet, before returning back in Anglesea on the Surf Coast Walk, via Point Roadknight. The event is expected to attract over 1,300 runners from around the state and nationally and offers both the 100km and 50km solo options, or competitors can compete in a relay team of two to four over the 100km course covering approximately 25km each. To register or find out more about the Surf Coast Century visit www.SurfCoastCentury.com.au
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4 min read
Press Release

Surf Coast Century Entries Open - Celebrating 10 Years

30 Mar, 2021 (Tue)

Entries have opened for the 10th edition of the Surf Coast Century to be held on 11 September 2021 in Victoria’s Great Ocean Road region. The Surf Coast Century has built a reputation as one of Australia’s must-do ultra trail marathons offering 100km and 50km courses. Event organisers Rapid Ascent anticipate a high demand on entries from across Australia as runners look to cement their goals for the year. “It’s the perfect goal to work towards after 12 months of uncertainty in 2020 and offers participants a terrific journey through the Surf Coast region,” said Rapid Ascent’s General Manager Sam Maffett. To celebrate 10 years, the event has a number of exciting changes in place, including a new focus on the runners’ experience such as a post-race athlete lounge, and recovery activities and celebrations the day after racing. The 2020 event went ahead on a postponed date last December with COVID-restricted numbers. As such, the 2021 event will have a focus on bringing people back together and the opportunity to celebrate afterwards. “We can’t wait to see competitors dreams and training be rewarded at the 10th edition of the race; it will surely make this one of the most memorable races to-date.” Maffett said. Competitors can enter either as a solo runner in the 50km or 100km courses, or in a relay team of between two and four runners over the 100km course covering approximately 25km each. As 2020 first-time 100km solo participant Deidre Mattiske puts so well, “I only started trail running a couple of years ago, but it was by far the best experience I’ve had. Everyone was so happy to be out in the beautiful bush – a real sense of camaraderie and joy to be running!” The course takes competitors from Anglesea to Torquay along the beach and then along the cliff top tracks and hinterland trails to Moggs Creek and Aireys Inlet, before returning back in Anglesea on the Surf Coast Walk. With a big variety in the terrain and scenery, competitors will run above and below towering sea cliffs, remote wilderness, beaches, wildflower hinterland and flowing coastal trails. “Set yourself the goal, achieve something great and gain that post race satisfaction from doing something incredible! We welcome you to be part of all this and more in 2021!” Maffett said. More event information at www.SurfCoastCentury.com.au
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1 min read
Press ReleaseResults

Ultra marathon dreams become a reality at the Surf Coast Century

07 Dec, 2020 (Mon)

Competitors in the Surf Coast Century presented by MINI saw their dreams become a reality over the weekend in one of the first mass-participation events post-COVID-19 in Victoria. The 100km and 50km races had restricted fields just shy of capacity as runners tackled the challenging and scenic courses as either a solo runner or as part of a relay team. Each race started and finished in Anglesea, with the support of the Surf Coast Shire behind the hall-mark event. Ross Hopkins was the man in the spotlight for the premier 100km ultra-marathon on Saturday, posting an impressive time of 8:38:29 to take line honours in the 9th edition of the race Hopkins took a slow and steady approach as opposed to previous years under the guidance of Dave Eadie’s ‘go out easy’ advice and smashed his previous 2017 winning time by over 20 minutes. “It’s a long way out there and over the years I’ve learnt to pace myself a little bit; I went out steady at the start even though there were a few in front of me, but I was confident I could hang in there all day,” said Hopkins. “It’s my fastest time over 100 so I’m very happy with that time; Dave (Eadie’s) training program worked out really well for me today,” added Hopkins. Matthew Crehan and Matthew Whitake rounded out the top three for the 100km mens field; completing the course in 8:49:11 and 8:59:26, respectively. Sarah Hedger won the 100km overall female category in a time of 10:13:22 in just her second 100km ultra run beating her personal best time from last year. Christine Hopkins and Felicity Pidgeon finished second and third respectively. “I had such a good run last year I didn’t think it could get any better than that!” exclaimed Hedger. “I went out a bit slower and steadier this year; I felt a bit lonely but the volunteers were so good and encouraging out there. I guess that’s the joy of trail running – all the highs and lows are worth it,” said Hedger. The triumph and elation at the finish line proved it was a race worth holding out for throughout the ups and downs that COVID-19 related restrictions had on competitors and Torquay-based event organisers Rapid Ascent. Rapid Ascent’s Event Director Sam Maffett was thrilled the event was able to come to life in the current COVID-19 climate after State Government reassurance was received only weeks prior to race day. “To see competitors dreams come to life at the event after many months of training, sacrifices and COVID setbacks and unknowns, has made this years’ Century one of our most memorable races to-date.” Maffett said. “We are extremely proud of all participants as they showed that by keeping their eye on the goal and never giving up hope that race day would become a reality this year – they made it… one footstep step at a time – and we couldn’t be happier,” added Maffett. Competitors continued to cross the finish line late into the evening, with the final 100km solo competitor crossing in the early hours of Sunday morning! In the 50km race Corey Milner, Damien Smith and Jake Williamson were our top three male placegetters with Milner stopping the clock in an impressing time of 3:46:40. “The course was great today, not a breath of wind; the perfect temp,” said Milner. “I went quicker than last year with a bit more training and hard work – I really love the variety on the course – the runnable single tracks out the back of leg 3 are my favourite,” added Milner. The 50km race was also held on Saturday over the second half of the 100km course which is renowned for being more difficult than the first half. Victoria Cole was the top placegetter in the women’s 50km in a time of 4:32:21. Jess Short and Sara Coulter rounded out the top three in a tick over 5 hours of running. Cole book-ended her year with two ultra marathons, having carried her fitness through lockdown despite the unknowns. “Not knowing if the event was going ahead made it tough to train for the 100, but I knew I had 50 in me and I could do 50 well,” said Cole. “Bit of grit goes a long way!” laughed Cole. “I knew I wanted to come back to the Surf Coast after having a taste of the trails last year in the Trail Running Series.” Team ‘Hntr’ were the fastest official 100km relay team of four on Sunday in a total team time of 7:31:44. Team mates Chris Semetas, Nick Quinn, Richard Johnston and Liam Coughlan are part of a track running squad in Melbourne, ‘Hunter’, who were on the search for a race. “We’re just a bunch of track running mates and wanted to a race. Being from Melbourne we missed the racing scene so thought we’d give the Century a crack,” said Quinn who is also a previous 50km participant. The Surf Coast Century has built a reputation as one of Australia’s must-do trail running events due to its unique course features. Competitors ran past towering sea cliffs, remote wilderness, beaches, lighthouses and more on a figure-eight style course within the Great Ocean Road region of Victoria. The event will celebrate its’ 10th anniversary addition in 2021 on Saturday 11 September – entries to open early next year. www.SurfCoastCentury.com.au RESULTS 100KM OVERALL MALE 1 Ross Hopkins 8:38:29 2 Matthew Crehan 8:49:11 3 Matthew Whitaker 8:59:26 100KM OVERALL FEMALE 1 Sarah Hedger 10:13:22 2 Christine Hopkins 10:45:26 3 Felicity Pidgeon 11:59:44 50KM OVERALL MALE 1 Corey Milner 3:46:40 2 Damien Smith 3:58:31 3 Jake Williamson 4:08:46 50KM OVERALL FEMALE 1 Victoria Cole 4:32:21 2 Jess Short 5:00:15 3 Sara Coulter 5:09:41 100KM OVERALL RELAY TEAMS 1 Team Hntr 7:31:44 2 Team Dr DM Racing 7:55:30 3 Team Lightweights 8:19:21 TO VIEW FULL EVENT RESULTS – CLICK HERE SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RapidAscentUltraRunningEvents Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rapidascent/ Twitter: @Rapid_Ascent Event Hashtag: #SurfCoastCentury
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4 min read
Press ReleaseResults

Hopkins and Woods crowned champions of Surf Coast Century

11 Sep, 2017 (Mon)

Credit : Rapid Ascent Ross Hopkins and Kylie Woods have been crowned champions of the Surf Coast Century 100km Ultra Marathon while Stephanie Auston and Simon Neale have taken the titles in the 50km race today at Anglesea, Victoria. The sixth edition of the race saw over 1,100 competitors from across Australia and overseas journey 50km and 100km across an off-road course along the beaches, 4WD tracks and hinterland trails of Anglesea, Torquay and Aireys Inlet. With defending champion Francesco Ciancio forced to withdraw near the halfway mark, Hopkins, 38 from Mansfield used consistency and pure determination to outrun his challengers in what he described as a distance not to be underestimated. He crossed the line in eight hours, 43 minutes and 31 seconds. “Ryan and Joosep set a cracking pace to start with, one thing I’ve learnt is you’ve just got to hang in there, and you never know what could happen, you know, it’s a long way, so you’ve just got to keep chipping away, and keep grinding,” said Hopkins. “The other two boys started to suffer through the course, and I was feeling good on the back half, so yeah it was a good outcome. I’ve been lucky enough to have been on the podium three times previously so it’s nice to get a win under my belt, it feels really good.” After leading for much of the race, first-time 100km-runner Tammamae of Estonia finished runner-up in 8:56:27, and Ryan Cross (Eastwood, Victoria) took third in 9:08:00. Credit : Rapid Ascent In what was her second appearance at the Surf Coast Century, Kylie Woods, (43 of Strathewen, Victoria) maintained her lead throughout to win in 10 hours, 5 minutes, 20 seconds; 12 minutes ahead of Nicole Paton (Melbourne, 10:17:28). International runner Angélique Plaire of Noumea rounded out the women’s podium in 10:23:59. “I didn’t beat my last years’ time, but I felt so tired in Leg 3 today; I was just wanting to make it to the end, and I did so that’s awesome,” said Woods. “I took my coach’s advice to just run in the moment, don’t think about what’s behind you or what’s ahead, just take one step at a time. I was lucky enough to meet up with Jason in the last 10kms or so, and we’re good company for pacing one another. “Seeing my family out on the course, my husband, my two kids, and my Mum was so awesome, and of course the spectacular scenery, and all the other runners out there encouraging one another.” The 50km race was held over a new course in 2017; the second half of the 100km course which is renowned for being the more difficult of the two. For the second year in a row, Merimbula’s Stephanie Auston (26) showed her prowess to snatch the overall 50km race win in a time of four hours and 16 minutes, almost 25 minutes ahead of the field. “I was running with a group of four of us at the front, three guys and myself, then we dropped two of them, then it was just me and the other guy, and on a bit of a descent I just got away. I was just trying to track down the team runners and the 100km runners; mentally if there’s someone to chase it’s quite nice,” said Auston. “I ran here last year and I won the other end of the 50, but this is definitely the tougher half.” Overall runner-up Belinda Ralph (Lavington, NSW) also finished strongly in 4:41:12, and first male over the line was Simon Neale of Hampton East, VIC, (4:44:50). “It was a great course out there, so I’m pretty happy how it all went. I got a bit of a cramp in the last 15-20kms but I managed to work through it, so yeah, I was pretty happy,” said Neale. Relay team ‘Duo The Humble Servants Of Bosco And Walter’ comprised of Blake Hose and David Byrne posted the fastest 100km time of the day in just seven hours and 15 minutes. While the fastest relay team of four was ‘Team The Happy Runner Torquay’ who posted 7:38:07. The Surf Coast Century has built a solid reputation as one of Australia’s must-do trail running events with no other 100km course like it in the world; featuring spectacular scenery and remote wilderness. It is also considered to be an ideal event for those tackling their first ultra marathon; the course is challenging yet achievable, event logistics are easy and the event vibe is very supportive. The 100km course can be completed by individual runners or relay teams (of up to four competitors) and the 50km race is for individuals. The Surf Coast Century is organised by Rapid Ascent, an adventure sports event management company that is well-known for hosting challenging and professional off-road events. Head to www.SurfCoastCentury.com.au for more information. Results 100KM MENS RESULTS 1. ROSS HOPKINS (8:43:31) 2. JOOSEP TAMMEMAE (8:56:27) 3. RYAN CROSS (9:08:00) 100KM WOMENS RESULTS 1. KYLEE WOODS (10:05:20) 2. NICOLE PATON (10:17:28) 3. ANGELIQUE PLAIRE (10:23:59) 50KM MENS RESULTS 1. SIMON NEALE (4:44:50) 2. BRAD GLOVER (4:48:37) 3. MAT JANES (4:51:27) 50KM WOMENS RESULTS 1. STEPHANIE AUSTON (4:16:54) 2. BELINDA RALPH (4:41:12) 3. ANNIE SOLTERBECK (5:16:13) §staticmap(18486,5,800,200)
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