The Surf Coast Century begins and ends in Anglesea, located on Victoria's Great Ocean Road. Participants can choose between 50 km and 100 km distances, available for solo runners and relay teams. The race commences before sunrise, meaning participants will navigate the initial trails in darkness before the coastal scenery becomes visible. While it is an ultra-marathon, the course is characterized as fast, accessible, and not excessively technical, appealing to both seasoned ultra-runners and individuals undertaking their first ultra-distance event.
The course guides runners beneath high sea cliffs, along secluded beaches, past Bells Beach near dawn, and through inland wildflower areas. Aid stations are lively and bustling, with supporters, officials, and fellow runners contributing to the event's reputation, reflected in its nickname, "The Feel Good Ultra." The finish line includes a distinct tradition: runners enter the chute, strike a gong, and receive a stein, whether they have completed a short relay leg or a full day's race.