Take in gorgeous seaside views from Lorne to Apollo Bay at the Great Ocean Road Running Festival. There’s nine different distances to try, with something for runners and walkers of all ages and experience levels. There’s also heaps of fun activities and entertainment to discover, including glamping, yoga and a kite festival. This running festival will take place on Saturday May 20 and Sunday May 21. Registrations for the race are open now.
Great Ocean Road Running Festival
On Saturday, all of the runs will start from Apollo Bay. There’s a 14km Paradise Run, which will take you through farmland and Great Otway National Park, a 6km Run through the countryside, and a 1.5km Kids’ Gallop.
Meanwhile on Sunday, endurance athletes can try the RACV Solar Marathon, which stretches for 44km from Lorne to Apollo Bay. Also kicking off in Lorne are the 12km and 6.5km Trail Runs, and the 5km or 10km Great Ocean Road Walk.
“The RACV Solar Great Ocean Road Running Festival is one of the most unique and special running events in the country,” said Event Director Brad King. “For almost two decades, hundreds of thousands of people have travelled from around the world to take part in the festival and experience some of Victoria’s greatest natural wonders.”
This year, they’ve teamed up with RACV Solar to make the festival’s most sustainable year yet. Elements of the festival will be powered by solar energy.
On top of the running, both participants and spectators are welcome to go glamping during the festival. Stay in luxury bell tents for 2 or 4 people, without worrying about setting it up or packing it down.
Live music will play all weekend long at Apollo Bay Hotel. There will also be a yoga session on the beach, a kite festival for kids, and an inflatable sports park.
Also of note is the Pub to Pub Waiter’s Race, which will see local wait-staff race, while carrying a tray of beer, from the Apollo Bay Hotel to the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse and back. This fun event will take place on the Saturday, starting at 1:05pm.