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Great Ocean Road Marathon: One of the world's best
A book just released in the United States has ranked the Great Ocean Road Marathon in the world’s top 100 races.
The book, “Great Races, Incredible Places,” was written by Kimi Puntillo, the first woman to run a marathon on every continent.
The Great Ocean Road Marathon is listed in a section titled “Spiritual Experiences.”
It lines up alongside the Mt. Everest Marathon in Nepal and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru.
“One of the most beautiful roads in the world is the race course for the Great Ocean Road International Marathon and Half-Marathon,” Puntillo writes.
“The two-lane highway is mostly covered by trees and vegetation reminiscent of sketches drawn in books for children’s fairy tales.”
Puntillo’s glowing three-page report adds that the road’s elevation is a challenge.
“Count on the magnificent scenery to help alleviate your pain,” she writes.
“The course weaves around rugged coastal terrain with mighty waves pounding against jagged cliffs.
“Ocean spray carried by the wind lightly showers runners on the road above.
“A stretch of eucalyptus trees – Australian koala’s natural habitat – lines the roadway.
“One runner who was fortunate to spot the cute furry creature said it’s almost enough to make you forget that your knees are killing you.”
Marathon director John Craven described Puntillo’s assessment as a huge endorsement.
“It’s a fantastic advertisement, given that the race is only four years old,” he said.
“To gain that sort of recognition is an incredible boost for the event.”
The book is published by Bantam Books in New York.
In 2009 the Great Ocean Road Marathon will be held on the weekend of May 16-17. Register now.
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