Kilcunda half marathon brings smile sand tears to runners
Sun, Surf and Smiles was the order of the day at Kilcunda where 160 runners fronted to compete in the inaugural Kilcunda Half Marathon and 16 km George Bass Coastal Run.
With runners from Tokyo, Denmark, Tasmania and as far as Warnambool in Victoria, travelling to Kilcunda it was an event that had made an early impression. Billed as an introduction to trail running the event gave runners the experience of running through some of the Bass Coast’s most scenic trails, experiencing grassy trails, sandy beaches, rolling hills and a fast rail trail to the finish.
In the 16 km fun run, Tyson Kinston took out the men’s trophy and first place in a time of 1.15.30 whilst Britta Weller came first in the women’s in 1.28.28. In the half marathon distance, Simon Marcus blitzed the field in 1.40.06 whilst Kellie Emmerson took out the ladies’ in 1.46.35.
In near perfect running weather—it got a little warm—runners took in the superb coastal views and lapped up the sunshine as they cheered finishers on during the morning and into the early afternoon.
Feedback from runners was great and to quote just a couple:
Just a quick one to thank you for organising such a great run yesterday. It was the first trail run for both myself and my nephew (he was the 14 year old) and although he complained about how hard it was, he hasn’t stopped talking about it. And although my leg muscles are telling me otherwise today, it was amazing—albeit MUCH harder than either of us thought it would be. Such a great location, too. Next time we’ll be sure to be a little more prepared!
Just wanted to say again congratulations on a fantastic trail run, I did the 21 km and the course was very scenic and easy to follow and one of the best, it was very well organized and the volunteers along the way were very friendly also, a great morning!!
I am sure everyone enjoyed it as there were plenty of smiling faces along the way (some with pain also!!!). I hope you do it again next year as I’ll be in for sure.
All in a great event with many runners saying that they would be back in February 2016 with more friends.