While the Government has said that if people are to run, they must run alone (or only with household members), this doesn’t mean total isolation for runners.
Thanks to the rise in virtual races, ingenuity, and determination, next weekend will see the region’s largest and most picturesque running event go online for the very first time.
The Great Ocean Road Running Festival was due to be held in Lorne and Apollo Bay, but with the current restrictions on gatherings, they have launched a virtual running festival in its place where participants from across Australia (or even the world) can conquer the spectacular run either on the treadmill or around your local neighbourhood during the weekend of May 16 and 17.
Giving runners the perfect excuse to maintain running goals, stay inspired and keep fit, participants can choose from an array of distances – 60km Ultra Marathon, 42.195km Marathon, 21.1km Half Marathon, 14km Paradise Run, 6km Run and 1.5km Kids’ Gallop.
Come race weekend, participants will then have a 48-hour window to complete their chosen distance.
The event will also feature special guest challengers including marathon runners and former Olympian Steve Moneghetti; TV Host, model, wife, mother, marathon runner and a Great Ocean Road Running Festival regular Brodie Harper and partner Heath Meldrum, alongside model and lifestyle influencer Brooke Hogan.
Once you’ve completed the run, record your distance and time, then upload your results to the platform. Once your submission has been verified, you’ll be added to the leaderboard and a finisher Medal will then be sent along with a virtual social badge.
You can still participate in the original event which has been moved to August 22 and 23.
Online registrations close at 11.59pm on May 15. Head to the website.