Sunset run is back on the Bellarine

The Flying Brick Bellarine Sunset Run is a highlight of the summer season. (Nathan Dyer)

The Flying Brick Bellarine Sunset Run is more than just a fun run.

It’s a celebration of food, drink, exercise and community. And it’s back this year in its regular slot on February 12.

Early last year event organisers were left heartbroken as Victoria was forced into a snap five-day lockdown at 2pm on the Friday of the event. They were able to reschedule for seven weeks later to stay loyal to their participants albeit at 25 per cent of the usual 1200 from years gone by.

“It was the hardest thing we have had to endure in our six years, but the facts are the pandemic has seen many families have the biggest challenges of their lifetime,” event manager Dion Milne said.

“Our sponsors were some of the hardest hit with the Valentine’s Day weekend cancelled, yet they still remained positive that we needed to reschedule and show the community our passion and resilience to host the event.

“To play a role in getting people back to the Bellarine Peninsula and restoring the community spirit is important to our family.”

The 2022 distances include the Active Feet Half Marathon, Port Phillip Ferries 10km and the reintroduction of the Community Bank Portarlington Bully Buster 4km.

The courses are stunning with sea views and winding through holiday parks, where residents and holiday makers join in on the fun by supporting the runners.

All distances have walk or run options and medals are also back in 2022.

Organisers are expecting an increase in new walkers and runners to the event as many people took to exercising in their 5km to 10km radius through the lockdowns.

Mr Milne believes the course is among the most accessible, flat, scenic and by far the friendliest course in Victoria with holiday makers cheering participants through the holiday parks.

Go to bellarinesunsetrun.com to sign up.