THERE is a new highlight to the summer season coming and it will kick off on March 15 and 16 in Inverloch. Whether you’re looking to get active this year, or you have a love for music festivals, the new Inverloch Running Festival, supported by the Bass Coast Shire and Destination Gippsland is a collaboration for festival goers and marathon runners.
Director of Fit City Tours, Matt Morris has run similar events in Melbourne, including the Shepperton Marathon and the Vineyards Running Festival, but this year he launched the first for Bass Coast – The Inverloch Running Festival - there are already 800 early registrants and still more time to join.
Matt said there is a plan to make this an annual event for the running calendar.
“We’ve coordinated a marathon, a half marathon, a 14km, a 5km and a 2km run.”
This family friendly event will be held over two days:
Saturday, March 15: 1pm until 6pm.
Sunday, March 16: 7am until 2pm.
On Saturday, the 5km inclusive fun run will kick off at 4pm, followed by the family friendly 2km run at 5:00pm. Sunday will then be an early start with the half marathon and marathon taking place at 7am, followed by the 14km run at 8:00am.
“They’ll all start and finish at The Glade, Inverloch, except for the 14km run which will start in Cape Paterson with a run through to Inverloch,” Matt explained.
“The event isn’t just about running, there will be live music and a range of entertainment across the weekend, and if you’re not a runner, the community event is open free to the public.”
Day one, on Saturday, March 15 the program is packed. Simon Trist will perform live, followed by The Phalconeers, and on Sunday, March 16 enjoy the sound of El Rollo Surf Band, followed by Reversion.
The food trucks will be onsite throughout the weekend, serving a taste of Mexican, Greek souvlaki, bubble tea, toasties, twisty potatoes, banh mi, ice cream and freshly made barista coffee.
The founder of Parkrun Inverloch, Tony O’Connell commended Matt and Andrew on the launch of such an event. “One thing I really like to do is encourage both local runners and visitors to experience our coastline. It’s an amazing visual experience that we’ve got in our backyard that many people don’t know about,” said Tony.
The event is available for all ages, with families welcomed to sign up for the 5km or 2km Saturday run. Otherwise, if you’re looking to keep active and achieve a personal best, then the Sunday marathon registration is open.
David Elder of Destination Gippsland is partnering with the multi-day event that will bring strong visitation. “This event is already running in other areas, and I’ve seen the tourism model, and it certainly brings something special to the region,” said David.
Victoria’s newest running festival is gaining popularity due to its beautiful course, comparable to the Great Ocean Road. Matt encourages all ages to secure their spot and be a part of something unforgettable. Visit www.inverloch.run and pick your challenge for 2025.
