Great Ocean Road Marathon

How can anyone come all the way to Australia without running "Australia's Most Stunning Marathon"? I certainly can't be that person, so I rented a car and drove down the coast for a weekend of sightseeing and athletics. 

I will admit that I was a little hesitant to drive on the left side of the road, but it seems to be the only way to get from Melbourne to Apollo Bay. Renting a car in Australia was a breeze. Automatic cars are readily available and they don't even require an international license. With a few quick signatures, I was handed the keys to a brand new SUV. Here we go. 

I looked at the map and was surprised to discover that the city of Melbourne actually sits on the ocean. How did I not realize this until just now? (I thought Melbourne only had access to a river)

Before leaving the city, I drove down to the beach for a little exploring. I parked near St. Kilda's pier and strolled along the boardwalk. The views were spectacular and the whole atmosphere was so much more relaxed than in the business district. It actually reminded me a little of my old neighborhood in Chicago, which was adjacent to the lakefront but still offered easy access to downtown. However, (unlike Chicago) the weather is actually tolerable throughout the entire year. I could totally live in a place like this. 

View of Melbourne from St Kilda's Pier

There were lots of couples and families out that evening, which reminded me of my perpetually single status. I try not to dwell on the fact that I am always alone, but it does change the experience a lot. Without anyone else to help share the experience, it can feel like I am just going through the motions. 

The feeling of loneliness passed when I saw that St. Kilda's is home to penguins and another animal called rakali (which I have never heard of in my life). Rakali look a little like an otter with a long tail. Australia definitely has some crazy wildlife!  

As the sun began to set, the penguins started waking up and climbing along the rocks. It was hilarious to watch them walk around clumsily. Whenever someone would spot a penguin moving around, a crowd of people instantly formed to take photos and admire the sight. We were so close to the penguins that I could have literally reached out and grabbed one. (I was tempted, but they're hard to transport). 

This little guy was hopping along the rocks

Another penguin sleeps in-between the rocks

Walking along the beach at sunset was a wonderful start to another weekend adventure. It's amazing how sand, water, and boats can elicit such strong feelings of relaxation. 

Driving from Melbourne to Lorne was straightforward, but I was a little uneasy about all the technology on the roads. From speed and red light cameras to automatic toll collection systems, it is clear that Australia knows how to monitor its drivers. Even the parking spots have sensors that will alert meter maids if cars have been parked for too long. I was careful to follow all the road rules, because there's nothing worse than a speeding ticket when you aren't even in a rush to get anywhere. 

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Race morning started very early because the entire Great Ocean Road was closed to traffic and all runners were required to take a shuttle bus to their respective starting line. At this point, I had still not seen the coastline in daylight, so the anticipation was starting to build.  

Before I even begin to comment on the race, I need to give mad props to Australians for their luxurious portable toilets. Unlike rows of plastic huts that I typically see at starting lines, these toilets are on huge trucks; complete with lights, water-flush systems, and even sinks to wash your hands. It's basically the opposite of the Florence marathon, where I literally peed in the middle of the street before starting the race.

Luxurious portable toilets

After taking care of business, I still had over an hour of down-time before the race began. I usually don't have much spare time before the race, but I took advantage of the people-watching opportunities. The serious nerds were jogging to warm up their legs, while the fun people enjoyed a coffee in the tiny cafe. I saw all types of runners, including one guy who wore a pink bathrobe to stay warm. What a baller. 

Excellent warm-up gear

When it was finally time to start the race, people were in no rush whatsoever. Twelve minutes later, they were still filtering slowly into the starting corrals. Seriously? I know Australians are laid-back but this was just comical. 

Finally, at 8:16, we were ready to go.

Right from the start, the road was filled with twists and turns, rolling hills, and the most beautiful views I have seen in a long time. I couldn't help but smile.  

It was one of the most interesting courses I have run in a while because I never knew what was up ahead. Sometimes, I would turn a corner to see a long and arduous hill. Other times, I would enjoy a steady descent where gravity did most of the work. Regardless of the vertical direction, each hill gave me the internal motivation to pass one or two people (I just wanted to get them over with as quickly as possible). 

The weather for this race was absolutely perfect for running. Mostly cloudy, temperatures in the mid-60's, and a steady breeze off the water to keep me dry. As the miles passed, I found myself gaining more and more energy. It was such a great feeling. 

I finally started seeing spectators around kilometer 18, as we descended into Apollo Bay and returned to signs of civilization. It seemed like the entire community was out to cheer on the runners. For such a small town, the support was impressive. 

The final stretch of the race was through the main commercial district of Apollo Bay, where people were lining the streets and cheering.  

Spectators line the street near the finish line in Apollo Bay

My favorite memory from the race is all the kids that held out their hands for "high 5's" from any runner who would pay attention to them. I got caught up in the excitement and tried to tap as many little hands as possible. One thing was abundantly clear: these are country folks.

This kid clearly didn't grow up in the city. 

Two girls compete for high fives

After I received my medal, I decided to walk over to the nearby beach. I sat on the sand and listened to the waves crashing in front of me. This truly was a stunning marathon and I am so glad I decided to participate.  

Paradise

Proud to have another distance race in the books

The shuttle ride back to my car in Lorne was fun for two reasons: 1) We got to see the slowest runners struggle through the final miles of the course, and 2) We could re-live the course without the distraction of the competition.

Views along the Great Ocean Road

The road is full of twists and turns

Driving back to Melbourne, I wanted to stop at every turn to take a photo. Fortunately (for my own safety), I did not act upon all of these impulses.

Shallow water creates a perfect swimming bay

The drive back to Melbourne is much more beautiful during the day

Great Ocean Road Marathon is one of those races that leaves people feeling completely fulfilled.  The constant hills present a challenge, but the amazing views help to lessen the pain.  Without many spectators throughout most of the course, runners are forced to motivate themselves. Fortunately, the support near the finish line makes the entire effort feel worthwhile.