The countdown is on for the 20th anniversary of the Great Ocean Road Running Festival, taking place Saturday 17 – Sunday 18 May 2025. With over 11,000 runners expected to take part, this year’s milestone event is set to be the most unforgettable yet.
Widely regarded as one of the world’s most spectacular running events, the Great Ocean Road Running Festival, presented by Melrose, invites runners of all abilities to swap cityscapes for sea breezes and coastal cliffs, taking on nine distances ranging from 1.5km to an epic 60km ultra marathon. With full road closures from Lorne to Apollo Bay, it’s the only opportunity each year to run uninterrupted along this breathtaking stretch of coastline.
Established in 2005, the event has grown to become a cornerstone of Australia’s fitness and wellbeing calendar. Last year, more than 10,500 participants descended on the region. This year, the four longest distances have sold out well ahead of the event weekend—proving the running boom is alive and well across the country.
This year’s festival not only commemorates two decades of extraordinary running moments but will also debut a new suite of features and expanded international outreach to cement its global appeal.
What to expect:
- 20th anniversary celebrations with exclusive commemorative merchandise and a retrospective campaign honouring the festival’s legacy
- Brooks Pacers debuting in the Marathon and Brooks Half Marathon events, helping runners chase new personal bests
- Nine distance options, including the Kids Gallop, 6km Paradise Run, 12km & 6.5km Trail Runs, and 60km Ultra Marathon.
- Family-friendly festival experience across Apollo Bay and Lorne with beachfront yoga, live music, an inflatable sports park, kite festival, and the Pub to Pub Waiter’s Race.
- Glamping and travel packages available to turn the race weekend into a relaxing coastal staycation.
- Fundraise your way as racegoers are encouraged to support a cause close to their hearts, with long-time partner the Apollo Bay & District Health Foundation among the many options available.
With a track record of drawing both seasoned athletes and first-time runners from across Australia and the globe, the festival is expected to hit new participation milestones this May.
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EVENT DETAILS
Name: Great Ocean Road Running Festival, presented by Melrose
Dates: Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th May 2025
Location: Lorne and Apollo Bay, Victoria
APOLLO BAY
SATURDAY 17th MAY 2025
• Goodness Me 1.5km Great Ocean Road Kids’ Gallop
• SriLankan Airlines 6km Run
• Chobani Fit 14km Paradise Run
SUNDAY 18th MAY 2025
• 60km Ultra Marathon (finish line)
• 44km Melrose Great Ocean Road Marathon (finish line)
• 23km Brooks Half Marathon (finish line)
LORNE
SUNDAY 18th MAY 2025
• 60km Ultra Marathon
• 44km Melrose Great Ocean Road Marathon (start line)
• Great Ocean Road Walk 5KM / 10KM
• 12KM High Sierra Trail Run
KENNETT RIVER
SUNDAY 18th MAY 2025
• 23km Brooks Half Marathon (start line)
