Her Trails Coaching
Surf Coast Century 50km
Program for Women
The 50km Half Century runs Legs 3 and 4 of the iconic 100km course: remote Otway bushland, flowing single track and inland climbing on the doorstep of the Great Ocean Road. This 20-week Her Trails program builds the endurance, strength and confidence this coastal ultra rewards.
The Course
Running the Surf Coast Century 50km
The 50km Half Century runs the second half of the full 100km course: sea cliffs, wildflower hinterland, remote beaches and Otway bushland along the Great Ocean Road. With just 1,800m of climbing across the full course, it's one of the most runnable ultra courses in Australia and widely considered the ideal first ultra.
Seven fully-stocked checkpoints and a buzzing, celebratory atmosphere make this a genuinely welcoming distance for first-time ultra runners, while still asking for real aerobic durability and pacing discipline.
The Course Demands
What the race asks of you
Over 20 weeks we build the aerobic durability, trail confidence and fuelling discipline this coastal ultra rewards.
Runnable Coastal Trail
A largely runnable course rewards efficient form and comfort holding pace over long stretches of coastal and bushland trail.
Otway Bushland + Single Track
Remote bushland and flowing single track demand trail confidence and comfort on varied natural surfaces.
Fuelling for the Distance
Seven checkpoints support consistent fuelling. We rehearse carbohydrate, sodium and hydration strategy on long runs.
Race-Day Confidence
Pacing strategy, checkpoint logistics and gear rehearsal are trained specifically, so race day feels calm, not chaotic.
Before You Begin
The Surf Coast Century 50km is a genuine ultra-distance commitment, though it's widely regarded as an accessible first ultra. The 20-week build assumes you arrive already running consistently.
- Comfortable running 25 to 35 km per week across 4 sessions before week one
- Recent experience finishing a half marathon or longer event in the past 12 months
- Willingness to commit 5 to 8 hours of training per week through the build
- Access to trails, hills, or stairs for training sessions
- Medical clearance if returning from injury, illness, or extended time off training
What's Included
Everything you need, in one place
Coached by a team built by and for women. Your week is released each Saturday so you can meet each block with clarity.
Training Program
- โ4 to 5 run sessions per week for rolling coastal terrain
- โProgressive long runs and back-to-back weekends
- โStrength, mobility and recovery support
- โFuelling, kit and race-specific guidance
Coaching + Community
- โWeekly live coaching calls, join live or watch replays
- โCycle-aware adaptation with flex days
- โPrivate community of runners preparing for the same race
- โAccess to the Her Trails community for ongoing connection
Also Worth Considering
Training for more than one goal this season?
Instead of purchasing individual programs, many runners choose the Her Trails All-In Membership for broader training support across the year. If you plan to complete more than one program this season, the All-In Membership is usually the most cost-effective option and gives our coaching team the ability to support you as you transition between races, training blocks and recovery periods.
Best Value
Her Trails All-In Membership
$220 / quarter
- โAccess to every Her Trails program including trail, road and strength
- โCommunity and coaching platform with weekly coaching calls
- โStrength and mobility training for runners
- โCoaching support between races and training blocks
- โOngoing community support and accountability
- โDiscounts on merchandise and selected partner opportunities
Questions before you commit?
Choosing a program is a real commitment of time and energy, and it is normal to want to talk it through first. Here are a few places to start.
We can connect you with an All-In member for a relaxed call about the program, fitting training around work and family, or anything else on your mind.
Request a chatOr browse all our programsSurf Coast Century Stories
Hear directly from runners who have trained with Her Trails and experienced the Surf Coast Century journey. These stories capture the terrain, the community and the personal growth that comes from preparing for a race like this.
