What is involved in running a trail marathon? Besides a little craziness there is a number of other requirements to push the body far enough to complete something only a very small percentage of the population will ever experience.

Whilst recovering from injury I took to walking, wondering the streets of suburbia can get quite boring so I took to walking the trails of the local National Park, and once I could, I started running those same trails. The difference on running the trails is not only the variation in terrain and the tranquility of nature but also the often spectacular views. With all my previous running experience on the roads and footpaths it was a refreshing change and I made the decision to start looking for trail running challenges, including possibly even a trail marathon.

The one challenge that first stood out was the Surf Coast Trail Marathon which started around 30 minutes drive away from home and followed along the south coast of Victoria, from Torquay through to Fairhaven. The course snakes its way along the coast, from running on the beach to high above on the cliff tops, running up and down hills and weaving through the bushes, shrubs and trees. Looking over the information I could find online the decision was made to sign up for the event.

When the day came to run I was both nervous and excited, prepared but anxious. I had ran the distance before during Melbourne Marathon but that didn’t contain the added difficulties of trail running like elevation, varying terrain and navigation to prevent getting lost. What trail running does offer is a real sense of fun and togetherness… and a decent challenge.

As we set off along the beach it was a great sight to look all around seeing the smiling faces on both competitors and spectators alike. It was great to be running alongside people that were keen for a chat, seeing volunteers that were genuinely encouraging and also taking in the scenery. Running on sand into a headwind wasn’t so much fun, nor running up steep hills, but you need to take the good with the not so good.

There are a few big differences between road running and trail running, and one of those is the aid stations. At Melbourne Marathon there was a small variety of drinks and some fruit at the aid stations, as you can see by the photo the Surf Coast Trail Marathon contained not only water and Tailwind drink options but also a selection of lollies, chips, muesli bars and other treats. Another difference was the requirement to cross the river mouth at Angelsea where the river runs into the sea. The organizers had set up a small ‘bridge’ for the road runners, whilst the trail runners were expected to run through the river, needless to say I ended up with wet feet.

Going into the Surf Coast Trail Marathon I didn’t know what time to expect, how much my pace would be affected by the elevation and terrain, if my under prepared legs would carry me through the full distance. Although it wasn’t easy I managed to cross the finish line, even though the sadistic race director made the decision to finish the marathon with a final beach run and climb up a few flights of stairs, not the ideal way to show strength to the well wishers as you’re struggling to complete that final few stairs.

As I crossed the line my body hurt in plenty of places, from sore and tired legs to spots where my trail pack had rubbed the skin raw. My calves were cramping and the sweat was flowing from everywhere, but the smile was real, as was the feeling of accomplishment having completed the trail marathon. As I felt my legs returning to a somewhat normal state my mind was already moving, trying to decide on the next challenge… the decision being a trail ultra marathon. Time to step up, add a few more kilometers and increase the distance. I’m not expecting it to be easy, in fact I’m predicting more difficulties, but isn’t that what a challenge is all about.

If you’re considering running a trail marathon yourself… my advice is to go for it. Actually, if you’re considering any trail running, my advice is to get out on the trails, you’ll soon see why so many people are getting off the flat and hard surface stuff and finding a new way to truly run wild.