Run Along The Great Ocean Road At This Far-From-Average Two-Day Running Festival

14th May 2026

Written by: Lara Torcello

The Paris Marathon has swiftly come and gone. A massive world record was just set at the London Marathon. And it’s all eyes on our very own Melbourne Marathon in October. Yep, we’re in the thick of running fever right now, and those who have the running bug might be familiar with the iconic places around the world that host huge running events. But did you know you can run at one of Australia’s most scenic destinations right here in Victoria? Let us introduce you to the Great Ocean Road Running Festival.

On Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May, the iconic Great Ocean Road is closing (yes, that never happens) for a monster running event you won’t want to miss. Last year, it saw over 11,000 runners, joggers, and trotters pound the pavement from Apollo Bay to Lorne—a record-breaking year, we might add. The atmosphere was electric, the ocean views were outstanding, and now, next month is your chance to get among the action. The best part? You don’t have to be at an athletic level to get involved; you don’t even have to run. The festival isn’t just for the Strava heroes anymore.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 Great Ocean Road Running Festival presented by Melrose.

What Is The Great Ocean Road Running Festival?

Image credit: Great Ocean Road Running Festival | Supplied

The Great Ocean Road Running Festival is a jam-packed two-day event that includes everything from a 1.5km kids’ gallop, 5km walk, 6km fun run, right through to an epic 60km ultra marathon. This is not your traditional running event; it’s a weekend destination experience that offers a whole host of activities at one of Australia's most extraordinary spots for both eager kudos-chasers and their cheer squad.

The coolest part? You’ll never get to experience the Great Ocean Road like this. The entire road from Apollo Bay to Lorne will be completely shut down, making it a rare opportunity to walk or run along the coastline that’s unlike anything you can get from the passenger seat.

I Want To Get My Sweat On, What Can I Run In?

Image credit: Great Ocean Road Running Festival | Aaron Collins

Unlike what you might be familiar with for a traditional running event, the Great Ocean Road Running Festival goes beyond your usual half and full marathons. The big distances have sold out, but as it stands, you can still gun for a medal for:

The Great Ocean Road Walk (5km or 10km)
12km Trail Run
14km Paradise Run
6km Run
1.5km Kids’ Gallop

Take your pub love to the next level by cheering on local FOH pros in the Pub to Pub Waiter’s Race. Waitstaff will be racing from the Apollo Bay Hotel to the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse (and back), all while you’re carefully balancing a drink on a tray.

Find out more over here. And if you haven’t thought about accommodation yet, you can start with our nine picks of the best stays in Lorne.

Okay, I’m In. How Do I Sign Up?

Image credit: Great Ocean Road Running Festival | Supplied

Ready to get your running shoes on? That’s what we like to hear. To sign up for the races that still have spots available, all you need to do is jump on the Great Ocean Road Running Festival’s website, select the race that tickles your fancy, and hit that register button. Then collect your bib from Friday 15 to Sunday 17 May, depending on which race you’ve put your name down for. We recommend aiming for Friday so you can spend your whole weekend exploring the beautiful region before and after you eat some miles.

What Else Is Happening On The Day?

Image credit: Great Ocean Road Running Festival | Alexander Polizz

Starting with Apollo Bay Hotel, the pub is a hub in itself—opening its doors from 7am all weekend, dishing up the perfect pre-run breakfast spread; they’re throwing lamb on the spit from 11.30am for lunch, and there’s a stacked live entertainment program covering the two days.

If you’ve got the kiddos with you, don’t miss out on the Kite Festival going down in Apollo Bay. The munchkins will love flying a kite while the adults can bask in the spectacular foreshore views. Plus, if your kid has signed up for a race, they score their very own kite to decorate.

Meanwhile, you can get your zen on with Indie Spa and Lux Spa & Wellness, spot wildlife animals like koalas and kangaroos with Wildlife Wonders, adventure among the Otway treetops with Live Wire Park, chase waterfalls among the over 70 bush and coastal walks in the Surf Coast region, and enjoy the local restaurants and cafes.

Get the full rundown here.

THE DETAILS

What: Great Ocean Road Running Festival 2026
When: Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May 2026
Where: Apollo Bay and Lorne, Victoria
Find out more or sign up here.

Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Great Ocean Road Running Festival and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.