Two inspiring Tasmanian athletes and former Australian of the Year recipients have dominated the Victorian Great Ocean Road running festival over the weekend.
Grace Tame, the 2021 Australian of the Year, tackled the 60km Ultra Marathon course from Lorne to Apollo Bay in 4:43:43 and was the first woman to cross the finish line.
2023 Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year Meriem Daoui secured first place in the women’s category for completing the 44km Great Ocean Road Marathon in 3:04:24.
Daoui’s victory highlights to her dedication to the sport, having previously raised over $11,000 for childhood cancer research by running up Hobart’s kunanyi/Mt Wellington for seven consecutive days in 2021.
Over ten thousand participants took part in the 2024 Great Ocean Road Running Festival over the weekend, selling out eight of its nine events.
Festival Director Brad King said it was incredible to see runners from every corner of the country converge upon one of Australia’s most scenic courses in record numbers and raising $180,000.
“We’re proud to witness Australia’s running boom unite on our stunning Victorian coastline,” he said.
“With over 10,700 passionate participants and eight of our nine events fully booked, the sheer enthusiasm and camaraderie on display was truly remarkable.”
