Family join the run
THE Boyd family will hit the road between Lorne and Apollo Bay with more than 5000 competitors at the Great Ocean Road Running Festival this month.
Mother Andrea de Kauwe, father Johnny Boyd and their kids Rory, Ella and Angus are all competing at this year’s event, to be held May 19 and 20.
The Apollo Bay family first ran in the event in 2013 when Johnny and Rory entered the 1.5km Kids’ Gallop. Eventually the enthusiasm spread, with the whole family participating last year.
Ms de Kauwe said she wouldn’t miss this chance to run on the famous road for the one time every year it is free of vehicle traffic.
“There’s nothing that can detract from the amazing coastline and you can really experience and savour it when you slow yourself down to non-motorised propulsion,” she said.
The family’s eldest child Rory now runs the 6km event with his dad. Andrea hopes all her children will inherit a love of running from their parents.
“Perhaps one day, the three of them will run the longer distances together,” Ms de Kauwe said. “But if not, I firmly believe that their early beginnings of being active have set them all up for a lifetime of enjoying physical activity.”
The festival caters to differ- ent ages and fitness levels with seven different events rangingfrom a 5km walk to the 60km ultra marathon.
The festival also offers other activities including kite flying, live music, yoga and a film festival.
The Great Ocean Road will be completely closed between Lorne and Skenes Creek from 7am on Sunday May 20.
Traffic will be slowed due to vehicle escort operating between Skenes Creek and Apollo Bay.