Surf Coast girls are go for Century
For former Olympic marathoner Kate Smyth, running just keeps getting better. And despite an eight year break from competition, the lure of the trails won’t die.
This September Smyth of Jan Juc will join training partner and friend Brianna Bateup, to tackle the Surf Coast Century 100 kilometre ultra-marathon in Anglesea. A first, and a lifelong goal.
Smyth’s foray into the sport began at eight when she raced in the school cross country, later reaching the amazing heights of representing Australia at the Commonwealth Games where she placed 7th (Melbourne 2006), and the Olympic Games in Beijing (2008).
After growing up in the New South Wales town of Orange, NSW, Smyth spent many of her competitive years in Sydney with her support crew, but now devotedly calls the Surf Coast home, and this time around – the event is right in her backyard.
“The Surf Coast is a runner’s paradise! It has the most amazing trails with such stunning scenery. You can go bush in the Otway rainforest, hit the hills amongst the grass trees, cruise in the rural landscapes or go for a stunning beach run on perfectly compacted sand!
To top it off you can go for a recovery dip in the ocean which is full of essential minerals that aid recovery,” Smyth said.
“Running is something I just love to do and running long distances is really enjoyable for me. I love getting outside and onto the trails amongst the bush.”
Having already run 16 marathons, you might be thinking, why an ultra-marathon?
“Most people say “you’re crazy”,” Smyth said. “But that motivates me even more! Running just sets me free, and now that I am retired from serious competition, running still remains my passion.
“I’ve always wanted to do an ultra, just for the thrill of making it! And doing it in a team makes it even more motivating for me. Bri and I were chatting in the gym one day and realized we both had the same idea, and so we just agreed to do it together.”
Smyth said due to wear and tear in her body, she’s building up her fitness for the Surf Coast Century slowly and gently, and training differently to how she did for hard competitive road racing.
“I won’t be doing speed work or hard workouts, it’s all about just getting time on my legs and getting onto the trails. I’ve learnt some brutal lessons in the past when I have pushed my body too hard.”
Smyth’s main goal is to stay injury free between now and September, and to finish with a smile on her face. And she recommends others to give it a go.
“It is such a unique event and we are so privileged to have the physical capabilities to do it regardless of where we finish or how long it takes. Most of all – enjoy it! Go for it. You only live once.”
Close to 1,000 runners will be part of the 2016 Surf Coast Century held on Saturday 3 September, starting and finishing at Anglesea, Victoria, in the famous Great Ocean Road region.
As well as attracting many of Australia’s best runners, the Surf Coast Century also has a great reputation as the ideal event for those tackling their first ultra marathon due to the accessible course, support services and easy logistics, and the incredible energy around the course from supporters, other runners and event officials.
Competitors can choose between 100km and 50km solo ultra marathons, and a 100km relay (team of 2 or 4).
Kate Smyth is racing in the Surf Coast Century 100km event with her friend and training partner Brianna Bateup, a personal trainer at M & B Health & Fitness. They will split the distance and run 50km each as a relay.
The Surf Coast Century is in its fifth year, and winners of the 100km solo event will automatically be titled the Australian 100km Trail Running Champion, under the auspices of the Australian Ultra Running Association (AURA).
The Surf Coast Century is proudly presented by adventure sports event management company Rapid Ascent, in association with La Sportiva, Evo Sportswear, Percutane, Hammer Nutrition, Physio Health, Cycle Cover and the Surf Coast Shire, with charity partners One in Five.
To find out more, or to enter, head to surfcoastcentury.com.au
EVENT OVERVIEW:
• When: Saturday 3rd September 2016
• Where: Start/Finish in Anglesea, Victoria – Great Ocean Road
• What: 100km and 50km ultra trail runs
• How: Do the 100km or 50km solo; or the 100km in a Relay Team of 2 or 4 people
• Who: Australia’s elite runners through to those tackling their first ultra marathon, groups of friends and corporate groups – you’re all welcome.
• Entries: www.surfcoastcentury.com.au