Melbourne high for local runner

Angeline (front) in action during the run.

THE iconic Great Ocean Road Running Festival in Australia scaled new heights as more than 8,200 runners took to the picturesque course to compete in the annual event.

Attendance figures across the two-day festival held between Apollo Bay and Lorne smashed the previous record of 7,600 runners, set in 2018.

Event director Brad King congratulated everyone who took part, from young racers attempting their first 1.5km Kids Gallop to seasoned athletes pushing their limits in the 60km Ultra Marathon.

“The 2019 Great Ocean Road Running Festival has been our biggest and best yet with over 8,200 participants taking part in one of seven events on offer,” King said.

Nick Earle from Brunswick won the 44km men’s Great Ocean Road Marathon in 2:27:37, finishing ahead of runner-up Dion Finocchiaro (2:37:43) and Bayden Westerweller (2:44:45) who placed third.

“I’m delighted with my win at this year’s event. We couldn’t have asked for better conditions than we had this morning, with no wind and an absolutely spectacular view,” Earle exclaimed.

The women’s Marathon category was won by returning champion Rhiannon Snipe of Blackburn in 3:04:36. She held off a strong field of contenders to finish ahead of Jasmine Goh (3:16:05) and Zoe Adams (3:19:22) in second and third place respectively.

Edan (centre) and Angeline (second from left) with members of the media after the event.

The gruelling 60km Science in Sport Ultra Marathon was won by Ash Watson of Nerrina with a heroic time of 3:55:12. The first female to cross the line was 2018’s winner Natasha Fraser of Ballarat in 4:32:47.

Closer to home, Malaysian marathon runner Mohd Syahidan Alias or more fondly known as Edan Syah achieved a new personal best of 04:26:14, beating his previous record of 4:29:03 in the 60km Ultra Marathon.

Edan said, “The Great Ocean Road never fails to mesmerise each time I run here. I did my best to keep running and even though I could not defend my title this year, I ran a new personal best in my 60km Ultra Marathon journey.

“The route has made me stronger as a runner and elevated my experience to greater heights. Definitely a must to put this run on your bucket list to experience this fantastic scenic running course with great weather conditions! Thank you for the memories, Great Ocean Road Running Festival!”

More than 8,200 runners enjoyed the picturesque course.

Another runner from the South-East Asian region, Jasmine Goh of Singapore, who came in second in the Full Marathon (Women) shared, “I decided to run by feel (without a watch) and enjoy the panoramic views.

“What I loved most was the electrifying atmosphere at the finishing point! Energy levels during the ‘home run’ was high as spectators that lined the streets cheered for me and I just had to ‘high-five’ every one of them as I sprinted towards the finishing line. Definitely one of my most memorable finishes.”

Great Ocean Road Running Festival is not just for avid marathoners but also for fitness buffs who can opt for shorter distances such as Malaysian fitness advocate Angeline Ong who ran the Garmin 14km Paradise Run and took part in the Lorne Hotel Great Ocean Road 10km Walk.

Asked about her experience, she shared, “The opportunity to run and walk in a completely new terrain while enjoying the beautiful views along the coastal road wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be, as I was accompanied by many other runners and before I knew it, I completed the race! I wish I had chosen a longer distance so I could see more.

“It was an eye-opening experience that I would love to do again if the opportunity arises. Everyone should be open to new surroundings and try this at least once in their life. Run, travel, explore, live!.”

Thousands more took in the stunning vistas of what is recognised as one of the world’s most breathtaking running courses in the 23km Science in Sport Half Marathon, Garmin 14km Paradise Run, Sri Lankan Airlines 6km Run, Lorne Hotel Great Ocean Road 5km and 10km Walks and the 1.5km Great Ocean Road Real Estate Kids Gallop.

The inaugural Pub-to-Pub Waiter’s Race also proved a hit with spectators and competitors alike. Local wait-staff raced the clock – and each other – to carry a tray of beer from the Apollo Bay Hotel to the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse and back, without spilling a drop. Tristan Smith of The Brew House took home first place delivering his bounty of gold.

King said an expanded programme of free entertainment and activities for runners, their families and support crews in two hubs at Lorne and Apollo Bay added to the festive atmosphere.

“Each year as our numbers grow, so does the festival offerings. This year, we added a petting zoo, inflatable obstacles and more live music which has been a huge hit with our runners. We are already planning some exciting additions for the 2020 event which will be announced later this year,” King said.

Next year’s Great Ocean Road Running Festival will take place on May 16 and 17.