Great Ocean Road Running Festival
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Quick Information
At a glance.
Location
Apollo Bay, Victoria, Australia
Event Date
2027-05-15
Distances
60 km Ultra · Marathon (44 km) · Half Marathon (23 km) · 14 km · 6 km · 1.5 km Kids
Entry Status
TBC
Official Website
Countdown
37 weeks until race day
Overview
The event.
The Great Ocean Road Running Festival is a celebration of coastal Australia. The marathon (a slightly longer 44km) runs from Lorne to Apollo Bay along the cliffs of Victoria's Shipwreck Coast, tracing the famous Great Ocean Road. It is one of the world's most scenic road races. The half marathon covers the eastern portion of the course from Kennett River, and the 60km ultra covers a longer stretch of coast. Rolling hills, coastal wind and long uninterrupted views define the day.
Small-town, low-key, deeply scenic. Runners stay in Lorne or Apollo Bay and travel in as a community.
Who it suitsMarathoners who value scenery over speed, and adventure runners who like a road race with real character.
Course Breakdown
The route.
- Course profile
- Rolling with sustained climbs. Around 500m of elevation for the marathon.
- Surface
- Sealed road, one lane closed to traffic.
- Aid stations
- Every 4–5km with water, sports drink and gels.
Training Preparation
How long should you train?
A realistic runway to prepare well for Great Ocean Road Running Festival, based on where you're starting from.
Every athlete is different. These timelines are intended as a guide only and depend on your current fitness, previous experience, lifestyle and goals.
Philippe's Coaching Perspective
What I'd focus on.
Great Ocean Road Running Festival rewards patience. The runners who go out at goal pace from kilometre one almost always pay for it in the final third. Start conservative, build into it, and race the second half.
The most under-trained element I see is long-run pacing discipline. Long runs shouldn't be a weekly time-trial. They're where you teach your body to burn fuel efficiently and stay smooth when tired.
In the final six to eight weeks, race-specific work matters more than volume. If you're arriving under-recovered, you're arriving under-prepared.
— Philippe, Col de Sud
Is This Event Right For You?
An honest look.
This event is ideal if you
- ✓You enjoy the challenge of a well-organised running event
- ✓You're prepared to train consistently for several months
- ✓You enjoy Victoria-style terrain and conditions
- ✓You're looking for a meaningful, memorable challenge rather than a casual outing
You may prefer another event if
- •Your goals are focused on a different distance or discipline
- •You're looking for a shorter, lower-commitment first event
- •You haven't yet built the aerobic base this event demands
Col de Sud Assessment
A quick impression.
- Overall Difficulty
- Terrain
- Technical Skill
- Beginner Friendly
- Scenic Experience
General Col de Sud assessment. Not an official event rating.
Frequently Asked
Questions we hear.
Is this a standard marathon distance?+
The 'marathon' is actually 44km — slightly longer than a standard 42.195km. Choose it for the experience, not a PB.
How hilly is the course?+
Rolling with sustained climbs, around 500m of total elevation over the marathon distance.
When is the event?+
Mid May each year — check the official website for the confirmed 2026 date.
Is there a half marathon option?+
Yes, plus a 60km ultra, 14km, 6km and kids event.
Do I need a support crew?+
No — aid stations cover water, sports drink and gels along the course.
Col de Sud Coaching
Your journey starts here.
Every athlete starts somewhere.
Whether you're preparing for your first event, chasing a personal best or simply wondering if this challenge is right for you, the most important question isn't "Can I do it?"
It's "How much time should I give myself to do it well?"
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Your ideal preparation depends on your experience, fitness, lifestyle and goals.
If you'd like help creating a realistic training plan for this event, I'd be happy to talk it through with you.
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