Triathlon
TriathlonAustralia
Noosa Triathlon
Noosa, Queensland·Date to be confirmed
One of the world's largest Olympic-distance triathlons on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.
RunningAustralia
Great Ocean Road Running Festival
Apollo Bay, Victoria·Date to be confirmed·60 km Ultra / Marathon (44 km) / Half Marathon (23 km) / 14 km / 6 km / 1.5 km Kids
Col de Sud is an independent coaching and information platform. Event details may change. Always confirm dates, entry requirements and course information with the official event organiser.
Quick Information
At a glance.
Location
📍 Apollo Bay, Victoria, Australia
Usually Held
🗓 Mid May
2026 Event Date
Date to be confirmed
Distances
60 km Ultra · Marathon (44 km) · Half Marathon (23 km) · 14 km · 6 km · 1.5 km Kids
Course Type
Road
Difficulty
Intermediate
Entries
Date to be confirmed
Official Website
Last Updated
November 2025
Countdown
Race date to be confirmed
Preparing for this event?
Recommended plan: 18 Week Hilly Marathon Build.
- ✔Scenic marathoners
- ✔Second marathon and beyond
- ✔Ultra bridging
Overview
The event.
The Great Ocean Road Running Festival is a celebration of coastal Australia. The marathon (a slightly longer 44km) runs from Lorne to Apollo Bay along the cliffs of Victoria's Shipwreck Coast, tracing the famous Great Ocean Road. It is one of the world's most scenic road races. The half marathon covers the eastern portion of the course from Kennett River, and the 60km ultra covers a longer stretch of coast. Rolling hills, coastal wind and long uninterrupted views define the day.
Small-town, low-key, deeply scenic. Runners stay in Lorne or Apollo Bay and travel in as a community.
Who it suitsMarathoners who value scenery over speed, and adventure runners who like a road race with real character.
Distances
60 km Ultra
Marathon (44 km)
Half Marathon (23 km)
14 km
6 km
1.5 km Kids
Course Breakdown
The route.
- Course profile
- Rolling with sustained climbs. Around 500m of elevation for the marathon.
- Surface
- Sealed road, one lane closed to traffic.
- Elevation
- To be confirmed
- Aid stations
- Every 4–5km with water, sports drink and gels.
- Expected conditions
- Autumn coastal — 10–18°C with wind and possible rain.
Difficulty Snapshot
Col de Sud assessment.
Endurance
Climbing
Technical
Weather exposure
Beginner suitability
General Col de Sud assessment — not an official event rating.
Typical Conditions
What to expect.
- Temperature
- 10–18°C
- Humidity
- Moderate
- Wind
- Moderate–strong coastal
- Rain likelihood
- Possible
- Water temperature
- TBC
- Altitude
- TBC
How to Train
Preparing your body.
Recommended preparation
18 weeks with strong hill and mental resilience emphasis.
Long sessions
Long runs to 35km including 800m of climbing.
Strength training
Weekly heavy single-leg work through base and build.
Recovery
Two easier weeks in each four-week block.
Course-specific prep
Practise running into headwind — the coastal section from Kennett River to Skenes Creek is often exposed.
Nutrition practice
Rehearse gels every 30 minutes; the aid stations are further apart than a major city marathon.
Key weekly sessions
- — Long run with sustained climbs
- — Hill tempo
- — Marathon-pace run
- — 2 easy runs
Race Weekend Guide
Plan your trip.
Travel
Drive from Melbourne to Apollo Bay in around 3 hours, or fly to Avalon and hire a car.
Accommodation
Book Apollo Bay or Lorne well in advance — accommodation is limited.
Packet collection
Pickup opens on Saturday at Apollo Bay Foreshore.
Parking
Free at the finish. Shuttle buses run to the marathon start.
Public transport
Event shuttle buses are essential — book early with your entry.
Weather
Autumn coastal weather — bring wet-weather gear and warm layers.
What to pack
Waterproof jacket, gloves, race nutrition, warm layer for shuttle.
Nutrition
Eat a familiar breakfast 3 hours before — the shuttle bus leaves very early.
Recovery
Warm shower, coastal walk to Marriners Lookout, hot chocolate at the pub.
Local cafés
Great Ocean Road Brewhouse in Apollo Bay for post-race food and beer.
After the race
Extend the trip with a drive to the Twelve Apostles, Otway Ranges hikes or Torquay surf.
Frequently Asked
Questions we hear.
Is this a standard marathon distance?+
The 'marathon' is actually 44km — slightly longer than a standard 42.195km. Choose it for the experience, not a PB.
How hilly is the course?+
Rolling with sustained climbs, around 500m of total elevation over the marathon distance.
When is the event?+
Mid May each year — check the official website for the confirmed 2026 date.
Is there a half marathon option?+
Yes, plus a 60km ultra, 14km, 6km and kids event.
Do I need a support crew?+
No — aid stations cover water, sports drink and gels along the course.
Col de Sud Coaching
Train for your next mountain.
Preparing for this event? Col de Sud can help you build a realistic plan around your fitness, experience, work and family commitments.
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Last details checked: November 2025