From 19-20 May, one of the most beautiful coastal routes in the
world will play host to thousands of local and international
competitors taking part in the 2012 Great Ocean Road Marathon.
More than 4000 people are expected to descend on the region to
try their luck - and their resilience - on the iconic road's famous
twists and turns, with the crashing surf as their soundtrack.
The 45km full marathon departs from Lorne at 8am on Sunday May
20 and runners have a maximum of six hours and 30 minutes to make
it to the finish line at Apollo Bay. The 23km half marathon starts
simultaneously at Kennett River and also ends at Apollo Bay, with
four hours the cut-off time for completion.
The full marathon always attracts a large international
presence, with a high number of competitors from Singapore this
year. The race will also see Australian women's marathon champion
Kirsten Molloy take to the road again.
Sideline events offer runs for all abilities, so everyone can
get involved. There's the 1.5km Kids' Gallop, the Apollo Bay to
Marengo 6km Walk/Run and the 14km return trip from Apollo Bay to
Paradise.
Whatever the route, participants are always cheered on and
supported by enthusiastic locals and visitors, and watched over by
koalas perched high in the treetops!
Whether you are a spectator or a competitor, the event's
legendary Pasta Night, hosted by champion marathon runner Steve
Moneghetti, is a must. Moneghetti will talk about his experiences,
including competing in the London Marathon, at the dinner at the
Mantra in Lorne on 19 May.
Moneghetti said the Great Ocean Road Marathon had become an
event that many aspiring distance runners wanted to tick off.
"When it was first held, back in 2005, it was like climbing Mt
Everest," Moneghetti said. "That's changed. It's now an
established event and people have it on their bucket list as
something they want to do, many of them every year."
More info: www.greatoceanroadmarathon.com.au