The Surf Coast Century ultra marathon delivered another feel-good day on Saturday 13 September 2025, with 1,400 runners participating in the 100km and 50km trail running events.
The 14th edition of the Century began on the sandy shores of Anglesea main beach with a magnificent day ahead thanks to the golden sun rising, clean waves, and the people laughing, loving and lovable as the tip-toed their way from dreams to the reality of running an ultra marathon.
The event showcased why it is regarded as one of Australia’s premier ultra trail marathons, with all competitors displaying resilience and camaraderie throughout the spectacular course along the Great Ocean Road region from sunrise to midnight.
Half the field competed in the 100km or 50km events as solo runners; whilst the remaining competitors participated in a relay team of two, three, or four runners covering approximately 25km each of the 100km course.
Carl Harrison (WA) and Zoe Manning (QLD) were crowned the 100km ultra marathon champions, placing first and second overall in times of 09:01:45 and 09:15:25, respectively.
Harrison’s incredible win comes off the back of winning the Margaret River Ultra Marathon (80km) earlier this year.
“It was the greatest start, I was feeling really fresh along the beach and through the rock hopping; but as I reached leg 3 – it was a killer,” said Harrison. “I took the lead early on and didn’t expect to be running the remaining km’s by myself – lucky it was beautiful out there!”
Coming in second overall in the men’s field was Matty Tyndall in 09:25:19; and 9 minutes behind in third place was Dale Nimmo in 09:34:34.
Meanwhile, hot on Harrison’s heal was the quality performance by Manning, at just 23 years old and taking out her first ultra win in only her second attempt at the distance.
“It was a stunning course; I’ve never really run in this type of environment before so it was something new to try and definitely worth it – it was such an amazing experience; but it hurt a lot,” said Manning.
Yve Brady (09:40:57) was our second female, with Lauren Frisken in third. (10:44:30).
The figure-8 course design course took 100km competitors from Anglesea to Torquay along the beach, returning along the cliff top tracks and hinterland trails to Moggs Creek and Aireys Inlet; before heading back to Anglesea on the Surf Coast Walk trail, via Point Roadknight. Whilst the 50km course covered the first half of the 100km route taking in more of the coastal views.
Equally as impressive were the winners of the 50km ultra event, won by Aidan Ford (04:01:00) and Jade Bucklow (04:39:44) who were both first-time ultra race competitors.
Ford was only recently inspired to take up trail running, by a documentary;
“I got home one night from work, turned on Netflix and watched a documentary on Nedd Brockmann and I was like maybe I’ll wake up in the morning and run a halfa; and 2 weeks later, maybe I’ll do a marathon!” exclaimed Ford. “So I did 41km around my neighbourhood; didn’t take any food or water so felt pretty sick afterwards. But I thought, if I can do that, maybe I can get through a 50km ultra!”
Bucklow reflected on her day, “It was so good to be out there; the support was amazing and a well marked course too.”
Amy Edwards was second and Sarah Foster was third the women’s field; whilst Daniel Armstrong and Tom Noble rounded out the male 50km podium within just 10 minutes of Ford.
In addition to the inspiring feats of solo runners was the $2,000 cash up for grabs to the first and fastest relay team to break the 7-hour barrier. And that we saw, with Team LUCKY smoking the record in a time of 6:51:44 with team members Toby Lang, Guyver Fu, Ewan Shingler and Leith Soden. The boys become the first team in the history of the event to go under the 7 hour barrier; and winning themselves the tangible cash prize!
Rapid Ascent General Manager Sam Maffett said the spirit of the Surf Coast Century was alive at every checkpoint and every finish-line embrace.
“Seeing competitors push through the highs and lows with so much positivity, and seeing supporters lifting them with cheers of encouragement, is what makes this the feel-good ultra,” Maffett said. “The Surf Coast backdrop just adds another layer of magic to what is already a truly unforgettable experience.”
The final competitors of the event crossed the finish line close to 1:00am, welcomed home by Event Directors and a small but proud group of supporters that epitomised the event’s supportive atmosphere.
“Congratulations to every runner, and a huge thank you to the volunteers, locals and supporters who helped make this another incredible edition of the Surf Coast Century,” said Maffett.
Sunday morning’s festivities included the 2.5km Kids Fun Run which saw 200 future stars join in; and the coveted Concrete Shoe Trophy won by Kristie Bower. Official presentations at the Anglesea Bowling Club were also held.
The Surf Coast Shire continues to support the iconic event, which brings thousands of visitors to the region each year, boosting local businesses and celebrating the breathtaking natural environment.
The 2026 edition of the event is set for Saturday 12 September – entries to open early next year.
www.SurfCoastCentury.com.au
