Great Ocean Road Running Festival
Apollo Bay, Australia • 16-17 May 2026
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.