Record number does a runner
Thousands hit the road
A RECORD number of people took part in the annual Great Ocean Road Running Festival on the weekend.
More than 7500 people of all ages and abilities descended on Lorne and Apollo Bay for the two-day event.
The seven races of various distances, ranging from the 1.5km Kids’ Gallop to the 60km Ultra Marathon, were just some of the attractions and activities on offer.
IMG Event Director Marcus Gale said the event was pushing 7700 participants, up from 6000 a few years ago.
He said the ‘something for everyone’ approach credited with driving up numbers was a strategic move by organisers.
“We did a lot of research on who comes and who they come with and really focused on who they come with and how can we make sure people that travel with our runners have a great experience ... because it’s central to making sure they come back year in and year out,” Mr Gale said.
A kite festival, inflatable sports activities, free yoga, musical performances, film screenings and a lunch hosted by Frank Camorra at Lorne Hotel all contributed to the festival atmosphere.
Ocean Grove resident Donna Hunt was one of three generations from her family competing in various events over the weekend.
Ms Hunt participated in the 6km race, her daughter and son-in law did the half marathon and her 11-year-old son and five-year-old granddaughter had fun in the 1.5km kids’ gallop.
“I love the event. I’ve done the half twice and now the 6km twice. It’s the venue and the fact that everyone in the family can participate that keeps me coming back,” she said.
Defending champion Julian Spence, of Ballarat, made it four marathon titles in a row, crossing the finish line of the 44km course with a time of 2:35:43.
Female winner Rhiannon Snipe, of Blackburn, clocked a time of 3:06:32 to defeat threetime winner Kirsten Bull, who finished second.
“This was my first time running this event and I’m very excited to have finally made it. The support of the crowd was amazing and the scenery absolutely beautiful,” she said.
In the half marathon, Stephen Dinneen won with a time of 1:18:39 and Ellie Pashley claimed the women’s title in 1:21:39.
The gruelling 60km Ultra Marathon was won by last year’s first female across the line, Natasha Fraser, in a time of 4:18:54 followed by runner up Mohd Syahidan Alias with a time of 4:29:03.
Former Australian longdistance runner Steve Moneghetti snuck into the top 10 for the 14km event with a time of 48:16.
“I love this event because the atmosphere is truly unique. The conditions were great for running and it was fantastic participating alongside my son, Matthew. This event puts a smile on my face every year,” he said.
The Great Ocean Road Running Festival will return for 2019 on May 18 and 19.