I couldn’t believe the race was here. It had been such a long time coming. Surf Coast Century 100km – my first 100km.

I had been training for months. I’d experienced some niggles but no major injuries in the lead up. The event had been postponed twice which had actually given me the opportunity to be better prepared. Although I still didn’t reach the weekly mileage goal distance that I was hoping for, I was ready to go.

I was aiming for Sub 12 hours to complete the 100km. Any runner under this mark receives a 1L Stein. I had to get my hands on one but a sub 12 finish also gave me the perfect target time to shoot for.

I had set my race plan with nutrition and hydration every 20-30 minutes. I calculated my race pace for each of the 4 stages (based on previous years result of sub 12 hour finishers).

I was ready.

Race Weekend

A group of us (2 x 100km runners, 1 x 50km runner and crews/kids) headed down to Anglesea for the event. We were staying at Point Roadknight, 200m from the 96.5 km mark on the course. A perfect spot! I knew when I passed this place the following day, I would want to just head straight back to the accommodation!

Heading down the hill into Anglesea, I could see the registration area and the race finish. I was so keen to begin this event that I had spent almost the whole year preparing for! We collected the necessary bibs, first aid kit, merch and other last minute instructions.

We had a quiet dinner of pasta and had an early night. Race Day was looming!

Race Day

I awoke to the sound of my daughter crying at 3:28 AM. With my alarm due to go off at 3:30 AM it was perfect timing. She was in need of a feed and soon went straight back to sleep. Not for me though. I had a race to prepare for! Breakfast was 3 x pieces of toast with peanut butter and jam along with a banana. I got my gear that had been laid out on the table the night before. I was so excited. This was better than Christmas morning.

My mum and dad who were staying with us, drove me down to the race HQ where I went to the toilet again (6th time that morning?!) and went to meet up with the sub 12 hour pacing group. I thought this could be an easier way to stay focused and go out at the right speed. Little did I know how difficult it would be for all of us to stick together.

We headed to the start line. It was a 10 min walk from the finish line and we were cutting it fine. Not long to go now!

Leg 1

The race got underway after a short countdown and we were off. I started a little way back in the field. I didn’t want to go out too fast and be pressured into a pace I wasn’t comfortable with by the faster runners. 

The race start was at 5:30 AM, as we were in December, it was relatively light so no head torch was necessary. We ran along the beach then turned off onto the coastal track. There was a bottleneck and the pace slowed considerably. We walked the hill and after 2 km, moved back onto the beach. 26 min after the start, I ran back through the starting arch headed for Torquay. 

I ran with a guy from Sydney, Oliver, who had flown down for the event. We chatted about our training, other events we had done and our goals for the day. We had met whilst meeting the pacer. We were both targeting a sub 12hr finish.  

My first decision making moment was when I was about 2 km into the event. I was taking some video using my GoPro and the SD card stopped working. It needed reformatting and I would risk losing everything that was on the card! Ahhhh. Of course my spare SD card was back at my accommodation. I messaged my wife and she was able to meet me at Checkpoint 2 with it. When (not if) something unexpected arrives, don’t panic, solve the problem.

I ran through Checkpoint 1 but didn’t fill up water or grab anything to eat. It was only 10 km in the the race so I was still well stocked. Down the hill and along Point Addis beach which was one of the nicest sections of the course. The sand was compacted so it wasn’t too difficult to run along. The huge cliffs towered over all the runners and we moved along.

I covered the reef/rocky section much quicker than expected. I was careful with my foot placement (I didn’t want to roll an ankle this early in the race!) but I still managed to overtake around 15-20 people. The water was rising quickly and my feet were now wet. 

We went up the high tide detour to escape the rising waters and ran along the coastal track. This was about 3 km from Checkpoint 2. We returned to the beach and exited at the Torquay Surf Lifesaving Club. I had arrived at the first main Checkpoint (2). 

My wife and bub, Mum and Dad were there with my new shoes and socks laid out. I had something quick to eat, changed and filled my drink bottles and I was ready to head out on for Leg 2.

Duration      2:18:51      Leg Pace      6:37 min/km

Leg 2

I left Checkpoint 2 at a walk. In addition to swapping over SD cards, during leg 1 I had lost 2 pins off my race bib. Not anything to be concerned about but losing one more would mean it’d be hanging awkwardly. Not something I wanted to be running with for the remaining 70+ kms.

Fortunately, in my junk aid station bag that my crew was looking after, I had included a race number bib belt with toggles to keep the number locked in. I was breaking my own advice – “Nothing new on race day” as I had never tested this but I didn’t have too many other options. It was great! At Checkpoint 4 I would change my shirt with ease as my bib was not directly attached . I’ll definitely use this item again in future events.

The goal for Leg 2 was to manage my heartrate and pace. My heartrate was a little high at 170 bpm which would not be sustainable. I was also becoming a little concerned at my pace. I had anticipated leaving Checkpoint 2 around 2 hr 8 min however this blew out to 2 hr 24 min. I needed to pick up the pace if I was to break my 12 hour goal and pick up the Sub 12hr Finisher stein! 

Leg 2 was the perfect section for doing just that.

The majority of the trails were 2WD, 4WD tracks or hard single track. It was undulating but the hills were manageable. As it was December, the tracks were much more solid that what they likely would have been in September when the race was originally forecast to run. 

The sun was well and truly up now. It was still a mild temperature but I was still glad for my hat and sunglasses. I was enjoying this leg. I moved through the field, passing several others, and could see that my race was progressing even better than expected. I only had one concern. I was almost out of water.

I carried 500ml of Water and another 500ml of Tailwind. I was using it sparingly because I was running low. Just when I was almost to the point of panicking, I reached Checkpoint 3A at the 40km mark, the unmanned water point. I was very relieved. Although the mandatory gear only requires 750 ml water capacity to be carried, if it’s a hot day, I would absolutely recommend a little more for some of the longer sections (or if you take a little longer to move between Checkpoints). 

I felt good as I ran into Anglesea. I had caught up on my expected time and continued to relax into the run. I was moving well and my legs were holding up. I was tired but focused on my goal and (was told I was) looking good! There were some steeper sections on the downhills into Anglesea which I was not expecting. My legs were managing but looking back, this was the beginning of some minor tightness and cramping that I would continue to experience for the rest of the race. 

Halfway there!

Duration      2:56:14      Leg Pace      6:18 min/km

Overall Duration      5:15:06      Overall Pace      6:26 min/km

Leg 3

I had not been looking forward to the start of Leg 3. Everyone has to crawl under the Anglesea Bridge to get to the next section of track. I’ve never done that in a race before!  

My legs were becoming increasingly tight. This may have been due to crawling under the bridge – or the fact that I had already run 50 km. Maybe both.

I was taking salt tablets – one every hour or so. Although I had only trained with these a few times, they had helped. I am also a fairly salty sweater which has led to cramping in previous events. My legs were tight but major cramping was being held at bay.

This was the first section of the race that felt slow. The elevation gain of the Leg 3 section was the largest of the race. I had done my best to memorise the profile so I knew what was to come. In the later stage of the race, I was running with someone who had printed the elevation profile, and covered it in clear tape so that it was waterproof! An awesome idea if you don’t have a laminator (I mean who does!?). I’ll definitely be doing that in future.

I was moving slowly. I walked the 2x steep climbs in the first few kms of the leg. I had a chat with a few other runners as well as one who I had ran a race with before! Amazing who you meet during these events. This helped pass the time. Once I had walked the steeper sections, I did my best to start running again and keep moving. Any time I could be moving quicker than walking I knew that it would make a difference and hopefully lead to me breaking the 12 hour mark. 

My legs continued to tighten up as I began to tackle the biggest climb of the race. It was hard but not as hard as I thought it would be. I had run fairly conservatively to this point so I still had some left in the tank. I was able to use a combination of running, then walking the steeper sections or as my legs needed it. 

As I continued to climb, I was trying to work out my pace and how I was tracking in regard to my expected pace. I was spot on, maybe even slightly ahead. This filled me with great confidence and even more determination to press on toward the goal.

It had started to rain slightly which was a welcome relief. Leg 3 consists of 2/4WD tracks in the first instance, as it then moves into a flowing single track for the middle section. Then back to 2/4WD track. Although much of this stage could be done with stable road shoes (with adequate tread), I was glad for my trail shoes. They were holding up well and so was I as I headed into Moggs Creek Picnic Area for Checkpoint 6.

I was now confident I could break the 12 hour mark. If nothing bad happened… 

Duration      3:19:40      Leg Pace      7:08 min/km

Overall Duration      8:34:46      Overall Pace      6:41 min/km

Leg 4

My crew met me at Checkpoint 6 for a quick pickup of additional nutrition, water and tailwind. My Dad had picked up some Coke which I had trialled in my training runs. It was amazing! I don’t normally love Coke but the sugar hit me almost instantly which pepped me up. I would also go on to take some at Aireys Inlet to give me a boost for the final run home.

Throughout most of the day, I had been eating and hydrating well. My fluid intake, a combination of water and tailwind, wasn’t too far from what it should be although I could tell I was slightly dehydrated. My nutrition had been SiS Gels, Gu Stroopwafel, Clif Bloks and Winners Chews. I had tried a Clif Bar early after Checkpoint 2, however I couldn’t stomach it. This was unusual as I had trained with them fairly regularly and had never had an issue. I had a couple of pieces of banana and the main Checkpoints which were quite well stocked with lots of options. 

I was 20 mins ahead of schedule leaving Moggs Creek Picnic Area. I was confident as I moved toward the lighthouse and Aireys Inlet. All I needed was to do was keep moving at a relatively even pace and I would get that 12 hr stein!

The views at the Eastern View lookout were amazing! Make sure you stop and take it all in.

I moved down the hill and into Moggs Creek. This section was exposed with minimal shade and followed 2WD and 4WD tracks. It was hillier than I expected. Much hillier.

I started getting nervous. The final leg was supposed to be flat after the bigger climbs in leg 3 but I was moving slowly. Some of the hills early on in the Leg were brutal and at this stage of the race, I was not going to be running them.

One foot in front of the other. I reached Aireys Inlet as I was again running out of water. I did not expect the steepness of the downhill descents coming into Checkpoint 7. I had been walking 100m then running for 1 km or so. My legs were tight and the walking/running combination was helping to stretch them out. 

I arrived at the Aireys Inlet Skatepark and Checkpoint 7 with only the final 10km to go. I was so close.

My crew met me with some more Coke. I refilled my water and I was off again. I hadn’t taken on food for some time but I still felt good. I knew that I couldn’t continue not to eat so I grabbed a few banana pieces which got me going again. 

I gave the lighthouse a high 5 as I weaved past the many tourists checking it out. It was about 3pm and the weather was perfect. I returned to the beach via the coastal path and could almost smell the finish line.

I was so fortunate to be experiencing this amazing journey. I had worked so hard to get here but also so appreciative of the opportunity that the race organisers had given me.

I kept the run/walk combination going as I moved along Guvvos Beach, nearing Point Roadknight. I was going to make the 12 hour mark if I kept pushing, I might even break 11hr 30. I decided to go for it.

As I rounded Point Roadknight, I sent the group a message saying I was 2km out from the finish. I thought I’d give them a bit of time to get ready to cheer 😉 

The last hill was a killer. I walked most of it then moved quickly down past the Anglesea Surf Lifesaving Club, along the beach and through the river (again!). My feet were wet but I didn’t care. I was so close.

Through the trees and around the corner I could see the finishing arch. The announcer called my name as a first timer and my friends, family and rest of the crowd were cheering. I had done it. 

Sam met me and congratulated me personally which I was surprised at. He was busy organising everything but still managed to have a chat to as many 100km finishers as he could. He presented me with my Sub 12 hr stein as I babbled, thanking him and the team.

I moved toward my family and friends. They were so happy for me. I managed to get some water, an ice bath and a turn with the leg pressure machines which were amazing. I chatted with some of the other finishers, congratulated them and shared war stories. 

The event was so much better than what I could have expected. If you ever get the chance to be a part of the Surf Coast Century, I would insist you jump at the opportunity. Whether it be as a competitor, volunteer, crew or even spectator. You will be better off for the experience!

Duration      2:50:27      Leg Pace      7:25 min/km

Final Duration      11:25:14      Final Pace      6:51 min/km

Overall 27th Place of 159 Competitors

Tips

• Stay in a town close by so it’s not a big trip at the start of the day. 

• Walk to the start – not by going over the Anglesea river section – your feet might get wet early!

• Run in trail shoes. Stable road shoes (Asics Kayano’s or similar) with good grip may also suffice if it’s not too muddy.

• Change your shoes and socks at CP 2 – Most people do. Your feet will get wet on Leg 1.

• If you don’t have a crew, use drop bags (service arranged by the race organisers)

• Take pictures (and a spare SD card if you need it!)

• If it’s hot, it could be worth carrying more than 1 liter. During leg 2 and leg 3 I became close to running out of water. Also a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.

• Trial all your gear beforehand!

• Trial all your nutrition and hydration beforehand and have spares and other options. You may need them!

• Use/carry salt tablets.

• If you can, invite people to spectate and cheer for you! You’ll run faster and it will be fun to share in the memories and celebrate.

Gear

Ciele Cap, Goodr OG’s Sunglasses, Garmin Fenix 6X, Patagonia Strider Pro Shorts, Buff, Salomon Agile Running Shirt, Salomon Sense Pro 5L Hydration Vest, 2XU race number band, Stance Run Medium Weight Crew Socks, Asics Fuji Trabuca Lyte, GoPro Hero9 Black, Miggo Splat Tripod.

Nutrition

Science in Sport Gels, Winners Chews, Gu Stroopwafel, Clif Bars, Clif Bloks, bananas (Provided on course),

Hydration

Water and Tailwind (Provided on Course), Coke.

Strava – Check it out Here