Police have added a new focus location to their search for a Ballarat woman who failed to return from her morning run on Sunday.
Samantha Murphy, 51, left her property on Eureka Street in Ballarat East about 7am on Sunday and failed to return home.
Victoria Police had focused the search on Woowookarung Regional Park and bushland near the Buninyong Golf Course yesterday, but have today added parts of Black Hill, Brown Hill and Nerrina as a focus area.
It is understood the new search area includes three bushland reserves — Black Hill Reserve, Chisholm Street Reserve, Monte Christo Bushland Reserve — and the Wallaby Track.
Police said yesterday they had been using mobile phone data and Ms Murphy's usual running routes to determine the search area.
It is not yet known what has led police to add the Black Hill area to their search.
Forest Fire Management Victoria, CFA, SES, Victoria Police's dog squad, mounted branch, solo unit and air wing are involved in the search, as well as dozens of community members.
The search was stood down at nightfall yesterday due to safety reasons and resumed shortly before 9 o'clock this morning.
It is understood official search members met for a briefing at the Buninyong Police Station before initially beginning their search in the Buninyong area today.
Police have described Ms Murphy's disappearance as out of character as she was familiar with the trails she intended to run and walked or ran in the area every day.
The hot weather on Sunday, with temperatures reaching 36 degrees in Ballarat, increased concern for her welfare.
Police enquiries continue
Ms Murphy's phone was on and with her when she disappeared.
Acting Inspector Lisa Macdougall said yesterday afternoon police were investigating whether her phone remained charged and on.
"It is a fairly extensive search area," she said.
"She was an experienced person with going out in the area she knew. She typically went into the forest in the Canadian area, that was the usual route she would take.
"Our enquiries are such that we are going to look into all of the possibilities of where she might have gone.
"The area of search isn't completely remote. We are on the outskirts of Ballarat and it is not that far from urban areas as well."
Extensive search
Helicopter, drone, search and rescue, and mounted police units were part of search efforts yesterday.
Many community members joined the search in their vehicles, on foot, and on bicycle.
"The community are our eyes and ears as well. We want to hear from anyone who might be able to assist us and give us information that might lead us to locating her," Acting Inspector Macdougall said yesterday.
A liaison police officer has been appointed to support the family.
"Obviously they are very upset and concerned because this is out of character for Sam," Acting Inspector Macdougall said.
Ms Murphy is described as Caucasian, about 173 centimetres tall, of slim build, and with shoulder-length blonde hair.
She was last seen wearing black exercise leggings and a brown singlet.
Police said there have been no confirmed sightings of Ms Murphy since she left home.
Police have asked anyone who sees Ms Murphy, or has information on her whereabouts, to contact CrimeStoppers, or triple-0.