Take in gorgeous seaside views from Lorne to Apollo Bay at the Kieser 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, live music and a petting farm. This running festival will take place on Saturday May 14 and Sunday May 15. 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 Great Ocean Road Real Estate Kids Gallop.
Meanwhile on Sunday, endurance athletes can try the Ultra Marathon, which stretches out over 60km. It will start in Lorne, make its way past ocean views and forest landscapes, before finishing in Apollo Bay. There’s also the Kieser Marathon, which is 44km of river views and stunning landscapes. Also kicking off in Lorne are the 13km and 6.5km Trail Runs, and the 10km and 5km Great Ocean Road Walk. On Sunday, there’s also the Brooks Half Marathon, which will start on Kennett River and last for 23km.
“As one of the best destination running events in the world, the Kieser Great Ocean Road Running Festival shows off some of Victoria’s greatest natural wonders, from the Great Otway National Park to the Lorne Foreshore,” said IMG Event Director Brad King. “It’s one of the biggest sporting events in the region, and the camaraderie and sense of community is second to none.”
On top of the running, both participants and spectators are welcome to go glamping during the festival. Stay in luxury bell tents for 2, 3 or 4 people, without worrying about setting up or packing it up.
Live music will play all weekend long at the Apollo Bay Hotel and Lorne Hotel. There will also be yoga and Pilates sessions, a kite festival for kids, and an Inflatable Sports Park. On Saturday, there will also be a petting farm at the Apollo Bay Festival Hub.
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.