Peaks & Trails Run

Event Overview

Peaks & Trails is a trail running event held in Dunkeld, in the Southern Grampians (Gariwerd). The event is organised by local volunteers and starts and finishes in Dunkeld. Courses include sections of the Grampians Peaks Trail and trails on private land normally closed to the public. Participants will run in a landscape surrounded by four peaks: Wurgarri (Mt Sturgeon), Bainggug (Piccaninny), Mud-Dadjug (Mt Abrupt), and Signal Peak.

The organisers note that the Grampians National Park is part of the Gariwerd Aboriginal cultural landscape and respect the connection of Traditional Owners to the land.

Distances

The event offers six distance options:

• 6.4 km Trail Run: A non-technical out-and-back course on gravel, grass trails, and river flats to the base of Wurgarri.
• 13.5 km Trail Run: A varied course that summits Wurgarri, with an elevation gain of 464 metres.
• 20 km Trail Run: A course summiting Bainggug and Wurgarri, with 741 metres of elevation gain.
• 33 km Trail Run: A course beginning and finishing in Dunkeld, summiting Bainggug and Mud-Dadjug, with 1,080 metres of elevation gain.
• 50 km Trail Run: A course summiting all four southern peaks (Wurgarri, Bainggug, Mud-Dadjug, and Signal Peak), with 2,057 metres of elevation gain. It is aimed at experienced trail runners.
• Mud-Dadjug Challenge: A 6.2 km out-and-back hill climb on Mud-Dadjug with 430 metres of elevation gain, held on a separate day.

Course Details

All courses are measured with GPS but may vary. They will be marked. Track surfaces vary significantly and can include river flats, open woodland, technical rocky single trail, 4WD track, sand, and tree roots. Conditions in August can include mud, water, and slippery surfaces. The use of hiking poles is strongly discouraged, and strollers or prams are not allowed on any trail.

Mandatory gear is required for the 13.5 km, 20 km, 33 km, 50 km, and Mud-Dadjug Challenge distances. The organisers strongly encourage participants in the 20 km, 33 km, and 50 km distances to be physically prepared. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.