On May 16–17, 2026, the Great Ocean Road Running Festival returns for its annual celebration of scenic endurance sport along the dramatic coastline between Lorne and Apollo Bay. The weekend features multiple distances: the 1.5 km Kids’ Gallop, 6 km run, 14 km Paradise Run, 23 km half marathon, 44 km marathon (Lorne to Apollo Bay), and the challenging 60 km ultra marathon, alongside trail and walk options. All courses offer panoramic views of the Southern Ocean, cliffs, lush forests, and iconic surf towns with traffic-free roads. Festival extras include live music, yoga by the beach, kite flying, wellness sessions, and local food markets. Over 7,000 participants from around the world make this event a vibrant blend of competition, community, and celebration of Australia’s natural coastal beauty.
Races
60 km
Marathon
Half Marathon
14 km
12 km
6 km
Race Date:
17 May, 2026
Starting in Lorne, this trail run travels along the Great Ocean Road before veering into the Great Otway National Park via the Tramway Track—through eucalyptus forest toward Phantom Falls and back—covering rugged terrain with elevation around 400–500 m. Organized by IMG Events, this race runs on Sunday, 17 May 2026, with a start at Lorne SLSC Car Park and cutoff of 3 hours.
Weather based on historical averages.
FAQs
What is the Great Ocean Road Running 12km Trail Run?
How long is the Great Ocean Road Running 12km Trail Run?
Where does the Great Ocean Road Running 12km Trail Run take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Great Ocean Road Running 12km Trail Run?
How can I prepare for the Great Ocean Road Running 12km Trail Run?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Great Ocean Road Running 12km Trail Run?
Starting in Lorne, this trail run travels along the Great Ocean Road before veering into the Great Otway National Park via the Tramway Track—through eucalyptus forest toward Phantom Falls and back—covering rugged terrain with elevation around 400–500 m. Organized by IMG Events, this race runs on Sunday, 17 May 2026, with a start at Lorne SLSC Car Park and cutoff of 3 hours.
The Great Ocean Road Running 12km Trail Run is 12km long.
The Great Ocean Road Running 12km Trail Run takes place in Lorne, VIC, Australia.
Runna classifies the Great Ocean Road Running 12km Trail Run elevation profile as Moderate.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the Great Ocean Road Running 12km Trail Run?
Starting in Lorne, this trail run travels along the Great Ocean Road before veering into the Great Otway National Park via the Tramway Track—through eucalyptus forest toward Phantom Falls and back—covering rugged terrain with elevation around 400–500 m. Organized by IMG Events, this race runs on Sunday, 17 May 2026, with a start at Lorne SLSC Car Park and cutoff of 3 hours.
How long is the Great Ocean Road Running 12km Trail Run?
The Great Ocean Road Running 12km Trail Run is 12km long.
Where does the Great Ocean Road Running 12km Trail Run take place?
The Great Ocean Road Running 12km Trail Run takes place in Lorne, VIC, Australia.
What is the elevation gain of the Great Ocean Road Running 12km Trail Run?
Runna classifies the Great Ocean Road Running 12km Trail Run elevation profile as Moderate.
How can I prepare for the Great Ocean Road Running 12km Trail Run?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the Great Ocean Road Running 12km Trail Run?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
More
Sport:
Running
Tags:
Coastal
Kid friendly
This event listing is for informational purposes only. Runna is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Great Ocean Road Running Festival 2026 or IMG Events. All event details are based on publicly available information and are provided solely to help users discover running events. Runna does not use any official logos, images, or proprietary content from this event or its organiser. Any trademarks or names mentioned are used descriptively to identify the event in a factual manner. For the most accurate and up to date information (including to register or purchase an entry to the event), please visit the Great Ocean Road Running Festival 2026 website.
