Having selected the Kilcunda Half Marathon as a race on my 2021 Upcoming Race Schedule, I was not disappointed.

The course starts out with a flat 2.5 km out and then a return along the Nyora-Wonthaggi Rail Trail. The first few kilometres are a good opportunity to settle into the natural rhythm of the race. Running across the Bourne Creek Trestle Bridge early on is well worth the trip to Kilcunda in and of itself.

Try not to go out too fast! I certainly did. The adrenaline and atmosphere at the start line are the perfect setup for losing focus and increasing your pace too rapidly. Although it is nice and flat for the first 6 km, the undulation of the course builds after that point. My pace for the first section was 4:26 /km, which was a little quicker that I had envisaged.

I moved through the next section a little slower and was surprised at the elevation of some of the hills. Although I had driven through Kilcunda before, I was unaware of the finer details of the course. I was still running well but made the decision to walk some of the steeper uphills. As I went out rather quickly and passed several people in the first stages, I expected others to pass me while I walked the inclines. This was not the case. Those behind me obviously had the same idea.

The track was marked very well except for the turn onto the beach on the way out. I thought I saw a runner who had missed a turn several hundred meters ahead. I wasn’t convinced I was going the right way as I turned onto the beach. I had read the race map and looked at the Strava entry that was listed, but I knew this differed from previous years. Unsure, I turned onto the beach. As I did, a runner who was a significant distance ahead of me turned to check she was being followed by the rest of the runners behind her. I was able to validate for her that we were heading in the right direction, and she for me! I was relieved.

The feeling of relief didn’t last long. I knew there was beach running, however, the sand was quite soft and not compacted. Most other times I had run along a beach in the past, the sand had been compacted, allowing better traction. This was much harder than I had envisaged. The race was becoming difficult. 

I turned off the beach and was nearing the turnaround point. This last section before the aid station was very undulating with some steep sections. I could see Punch Bowl Road and knew from the increased number of returning runners that I was close.

At the turnaround I managed to refill my flask, making use of the hand sanitiser, to ensure I had enough fluids for the return. I was using a couple of Science in Sport gels and carried A soft flask, which was sufficient. Although many runners used a hydration vest, I tend to find they marginally restrict my breathing, so I only use them when I must. By doing without, I found I could move quicker and keep my heart rate at a manageable level.  

On the return, I was able to enjoy the views – and weren’t they amazing. The wind and rain could not take away from the waves crashing against the cliffs and the grasses in the fields whipping around. I did my best to capture the moments, but photos don’t do it justice.

Headed back to Kilcunda, I passed some of the other runners completing the 17 km event. I was also passed by a couple of people completing the half marathon. I had been hoping to hold my place and go for a top 20 finish, but with no real goals heading into the race, I knew I could not be too disappointed with my finish position.

As I returned along the beach and back through the hills, nearing the finish, I kept pushing but my legs felt tired. The sand running had not helped. Also, participating in Phillip Island Parkrun the day before probably didn’t do me any favours (though no regrets – you know how I love a Parkrun)!

Moving along the cliffs and into Kilcunda, I could see the caravan park, indicating the finish. The gradual downhill was a welcome relief and the cheering crowd spurred me on. My watch showed I had covered the half marathon distance, but with a couple of hundred metres to go unt the finish, I wasn’t done yet.

I had made it. I crossed the finish line, and not a moment too soon. My tired legs thanked me and so did my stomach as I made my way to the aid station, where they gave out goodies. I was relieved to have finished but, if I’m honest, I could have easily handled a few more minutes of those cliff top ocean views. 

If the opportunity presents, I’ll be back.

Tips for those considering the event:

• Stay close to Kilcunda. I stayed at Phillip Island, which was the perfect base. It’s a long trip from Melbourne if you’re coming for the day.
• It’s not a great spectator event. In the end my wife and baby didn’t attend – largely due to the weather and lack of indoor options at Kilcunda. If the sun is out, it would be pleasant. 
• Don’t be surprised when you need to “power walk” up some of the hills. 
• Run with a running band (‘Naked’ running band or similar) along with a soft flask. A vest is not necessary unless you like to carry all your hydration.
• The sand was very soft. Not compacted. Although there is maybe 1 km total distance of beach running, do not be deceived – it was much tougher than I had expected.

Stats

Distance: 21.87 km 

Elapsed Time: 1:49:38 

Pace: 5:01 /km

Weather: Windy and Rainy, 15°C 

Nutrition/Hydration: SIS Gels, Water. 

Gear: Ciele Cap, Garmin Forerunner 235, Salomon Speed Soft Flask, Patagonia Strider Pro Shorts, Nike running Shirt, Injinji Crew Toe Socks, Asics Sonoma’s.

Finished: Position 21 out of 164

Strava: Check it out Here