More than 20 club athletes pushed their physical limits at the annual event on Sunday.

Ansell said Sean O'Keefe, Craig Bramley, Geraldine Mitchell, Regina Cassidy and Arita Singh excelled in their maiden marathons.

He also praised Ben Wallis and Sam Edney for their sub three hour efforts.

Bramley, who completed the 42.2 kilometre circuit in just over three hours and 19 minutes, qualified for the world-renowned Boston Marathon with his time.

Ansell, who took part in the half marathon, praised the travelling contingent of south-west runners for their commitment.

"It's great to have so many runners making the journey," he said.

"When you cross paths with (other Warrnambool runners) it gives you a bit of a morale boost.

"It's a great feeling to pass someone you know or run with week-in, week-out. It's really encouraging."

Ansell said the 37,000-strong participation list meant runners had a taste of a big-time event.

"Everything is done perfectly in the lead up," he said.

Other south-west runners included Jarrod Mast (three hours and 58 minutes), Chloe Smith (four hours and six minutes) and Richard Wade (three hours and 13 minutes).