Great Ocean Road Running Festival

MAY
16-17
2026
Experience the Great Ocean Road Running Festival, where road and trail courses showcase coastal cliffs, forests and native wildlife. Races range from a kids gallop to an ultra marathon, with yoga, live music and glamping adding festival flair.
16-17 May 2026
60 kilometers 44 kilometers 23 kilometers 14 kilometers 12 kilometers 10 kilometers 6 kilometers 5 kilometers

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Event overview

The Great Ocean Road Running Festival is a multi-distance running and walking event held along the Great Ocean Road on the Southern Ocean in Victoria, Australia. The festival is scheduled for mid May 2026 and is presented by Melrose. The event attracts national and international athletes and includes both road and trail courses. The organisers acknowledge the Gadubanud people as the traditional owners of the land.

Distances and start locations

The festival offers multiple race and walk options, including:

  • 60 km Ecosa Ultra Marathon
  • 44 km Melrose Great Ocean Road Marathon
  • 23 km Brooks Half Marathon
  • 14 km Paradise Run
  • 12 km Trail Run
  • 6 km Srilankan Airlines Run
  • 5 km and 10 km Great Ocean Road Walk
  • 1.5 km Kids' Gallop

Some events start from towns along the route, including Apollo Bay, Lorne and Kennett River.

Festival features and notes

The event includes non-race activities such as glamping, yoga, live music and kite flying. The route passes coastal and forested areas where wildlife is sometimes visible, including kangaroos near Anglesea and koalas in gum trees along the road. The festival publishes race-week information covering road closures, travel and accommodation. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

60 km
Ecosa Ultra Marathon (60km)
44 km
Melrose Great Ocean Road Marathon (44km)
23 km
Brooks Half Marathon (23km)
14 km
14km Paradise Run
12 km
12km Trail Run
10 km
10km Great Ocean Road Walk
6 km
6km Run
5 km
5km Great Ocean Road Walk
1.5km Kids’ Gallop

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