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
The 60 km Ultra Marathon takes runners from Lorne to Apollo Bay along the iconic coastline, featuring approximately 1,081 m of cumulative elevation gain through rolling hills and ocean vistas. Organized by IMG Events, it will be held on Sunday, 17 May 2026, in Lorne to Apollo Bay, Victoria, Australia.
Weather based on historical averages.
FAQs
What is the Great Ocean Road Running Ultra Marathon?
How long is the Great Ocean Road Running Ultra Marathon?
Where does the Great Ocean Road Running Ultra Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Great Ocean Road Running Ultra Marathon?
How can I prepare for the Great Ocean Road Running Ultra Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Great Ocean Road Running Ultra Marathon?
The 60 km Ultra Marathon takes runners from Lorne to Apollo Bay along the iconic coastline, featuring approximately 1,081 m of cumulative elevation gain through rolling hills and ocean vistas. Organized by IMG Events, it will be held on Sunday, 17 May 2026, in Lorne to Apollo Bay, Victoria, Australia.
The Great Ocean Road Running Ultra Marathon is 60km long.
The Great Ocean Road Running Ultra Marathon takes place in Lorne, VIC, Australia.
The Great Ocean Road Running Ultra Marathon elevation gain is 1081 meters, which Runna classifies as a Moderate race.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 personalized 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 Ultra Marathon?
The 60 km Ultra Marathon takes runners from Lorne to Apollo Bay along the iconic coastline, featuring approximately 1,081 m of cumulative elevation gain through rolling hills and ocean vistas. Organized by IMG Events, it will be held on Sunday, 17 May 2026, in Lorne to Apollo Bay, Victoria, Australia.
How long is the Great Ocean Road Running Ultra Marathon?
The Great Ocean Road Running Ultra Marathon is 60km long.
Where does the Great Ocean Road Running Ultra Marathon take place?
The Great Ocean Road Running Ultra Marathon takes place in Lorne, VIC, Australia.
What is the elevation gain of the Great Ocean Road Running Ultra Marathon?
The Great Ocean Road Running Ultra Marathon elevation gain is 1081 meters, which Runna classifies as a Moderate race.
How can I prepare for the Great Ocean Road Running Ultra Marathon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalized 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 Ultra Marathon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalized 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.
