Australia’s most beautiful racing festival has sold out its long-distance events ahead of its May return.
14 May, 2026 - It’s your last chance to register for this weekend’s Great Ocean Road Running Festival, presented by Melrose, with spaces available in shorter distance events.
Australia’s most scenic racing festival will take place this weekend, 16-17 May, attracting thousands of runners and festival goers to the iconic south west coastline. The event offers a rare opportunity to run along the Great Ocean Road when the route is closed to traffic between Lorne and Skenes Creek on Sunday, 17 May. Its standout event, the Ecosa Ultra Marathon, is the ultimate coastal experience for endurance runners; a 60km course from Lorne to the Apollo Bay Hotel that immerses participants in the sights and sounds of coastal Australia.
Now in its 21st year, the festival is a popular getaway weekend that attracts runners across Australia and around the globe, with over 10k runners expected to take part in 2026.
The Ultra Marathon, Marathon and Half Marathon are now completely sold out, with remaining entries in shorter distances, including the 12km Trail Run, 14km Paradise Run, 6km Run, 5km and 10km Great Ocean Road Walk events, and the 1.5km Kids Gallop. These available distances are still a compelling entry point for any runner looking to experience this once-in-a-lifetime course.
MARI, the festival owner and promoter, which oversees the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival, says the event’s unique course continues to drive demand from professional athletes, running clubs, and casual runners alike.
Great Ocean Road Running Festival Event Director, Brad King, said: “This is a rare opportunity to experience the Great Ocean Road in a way that isn’t possible at any other time of year. When the road is fully closed to traffic, runners can take in uninterrupted coastal views all the way from Lorne to Apollo Bay.
“To see our Ultra, Marathon and Half Marathon distances sell out year after year is a testament to just how special this event is. It’s not just a race, it’s a bucket-list experience that brings together elite athletes and passionate runners from across the country.”
Secure a final spot at greatoceanroadrunfest.com.au
ENDS
About us:
About the Great Ocean Road Running Festival, presented by Melrose:
The Great Ocean Road Running Festival, presented by Melrose, is held in a beautiful and unique area of Victoria, Australia on the Southern Ocean. Each year the event attracts many athletes from around the world, all eager to participate in this challenging and pristine environment.
With eight distances to choose from, 60km to 1.5km, roads to trails, walks to runs – there is an event for everyone! It’s not all about the run though, immerse yourself in the whole Festival experience including glamping, yoga, live music, kite flying and so much more!
Anyone travelling along this road by car would not be able to experience the absolute serenity and at times the wilderness experience that you as a runner can. As you run along this course, with no traffic at all, you can almost hear the waves calling your name. The only sound you will hear is the soft thud of footsteps from your fellow competitors.
If you are driving down to Apollo Bay via the Great Ocean Road, you can see kangaroos usually lounging on the Golf Course at Anglesea – worth a brief stopover on route. Koalas are usually ‘snoozing’ during the day high up in certain gum trees along the Great Ocean Road.
Visit greatoceanroadrunfest.com.au.
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