Great Ocean Road Running Festival
Apollo Bay, Australia • 16-17 May 2026
Great Ocean Road Running Festival
The Great Ocean Road Running Festival takes place on 16 and 17 May 2026 in towns along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia. The festival is presented by Melrose and is hosted across Lorne and Apollo Bay on the Southern Ocean coastline. It attracts athletes from Australia and overseas and combines running and walking events with a weekend of community activities.
The event offers eight distances and walk options:
- 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
- 1.5 km Kids' Gallop
- 5 km / 10 km Great Ocean Road Walk
Some distances were listed as sold out, including the 60 km, 44 km and 23 km events. The festival program extends beyond races to include glamping, beach yoga, live music and a kite festival. Race bibs are required to access the free festival activities.
Information and services linked to the festival include a Training Hub, run club program, volunteer hub, travel and accommodation options, road closure notices and sustainability initiatives. The course runs along coastal roads and trails, and wildlife such as kangaroos and koalas are mentioned as part of the local environment. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.