WELCOME TO THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD, VICTORIA
As the official Travel Partner of the Great Ocean Road Running Festival, Travelling Fit is pleased to advise we have some great accommodation deals on offer located in the both the seaside paradise of Lorne and the amazing Apollo Bay.
Travelling Fit offer great accommodation near the race start of the Marathon and Ultra Marathon, as well as the finish area for all the major events including the Half Marathon. All packages include bus transfers to/from the finish line (where applicable).
The Great Ocean Road Running Festival is held in a beautiful and unique area of Victoria, Australia on the Southern Ocean.
Each year that this event has been conducted, it has attracted many athletes from around the world, all eager to participate in this challenging and pristine environment.
The Great Ocean Road is an icon in Australia and is renowned throughout the world for its beauty and panoramic views of the Southern Ocean. It has a colourful history surrounding its construction and ultimate destinations along the coastline.
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.
- Packages Include
- Guaranteed Race Entry (runners only)
- 2 Nights’ Accommodation
Check in: Sat 15 May 2027
Check out: Mon 17 May 2027 - Race Day Transfers (runners only)
- Invite to Travelling Fit’s Great Ocean Road Marathon Closed WhatsApp Group
exclusive to Travelling Fit Clients
PACKAGE PRICES
The Course
Victoria’s iconic Great Ocean Road is home to one of the world’s most visually spectacular running events.
Starting at the Kennett River Holiday Park, the Brooks Half Marathon course winds its way along the Great Ocean Road to the finishing line in Apollo Bay.
The course itself is 23km in total distance and is flat to undulating, with an elevation gain of around 167m and there are several long, upwards sections on the course, most notably from the Kennett River to Cape Patton.
The last 6km of the course is relatively flat.
Testimonials
Race Information
Entry Fees
The entry Fee to the Great Ocean Road Brooks Half Marathon is included in the cost of your package
Qualifying Times
There are no qualifying times for the Great Ocean Road Brooks Half Marathon.
All participants MUST be 16 years or older on race day
Start Time
The Great Ocean Road Brooks Half Marathon starts at 8:00am
Cut-Off Times
There is a 6h:30m cut off for this event
Race Timing
The Great Ocean Road Brooks Half Marathon will be timed using chip technology
Race Packets
Australian Competitors
Race bibs will only be posted to participants who register by 11:59pm on Wednesday 31 March 2027 and provide an Australian address during registration. If, for any reason, your race bib does not arrive, a replacement bib can be collected from the Race Week Office.If you register from 12:00am on Thursday 1st April 2027 onwards, you will be required to collect your race pack from the Event Race Office prior to the commencement of the Event.
International Competitors
All international competitors are required to collect their packs from the Race Week Office. Please ensure nomination of either Lorne or Apollo Bay Race Week Offices, upon registration
Lorne
Lorne Foreshore (North of the SLSC Carpark)
Mountjoy Parade
Lorne, Victoria
The Opening hours are:
- Friday 14 May 3:00pm – 7:30pm
- Saturday 15 May 9:00am – 8:00pm
- Sunday 16 May 5:00am – 12:00pm**
**General enquiries only. Race bibs must be collected prior to Sunday 16 May.
Apollo Bay Surf Life Saving Club
Great Ocean Rd
Apollo Bay, Victoria, 3233
The Opening hours are:
- Friday 14 May 9:00am – 6:00pm
- Saturday 15 May 8:00am – 6:00pm
- Sunday 16 May 5:00am – 2:30pm**
**General enquiries only. Race bibs must be collected prior to Sunday 16 May.
You will not be able to collect your Race Pack on race morning as there will be no office at the start lines so please ensure that you have collected your pack before race morning!
You are welcome to have someone else collect your pack on your behalf if you are unable to attend the office. Please be aware they will need your Confirmation Email containing your unique QR code to do so.
Pace Setters
The following Pace Groups will be running in the Full Marathon in 2027:
| HALF-MARATHON – min/km | ||||||
| 4:15 | 4:30 | 4:45 | 5:00 | 5:15 | 5:30 | 5:45 |
| 6:00 | 6:15 | 6:30 | 6:45 | 7:00 | ||
Aid Stations
| Half Marathon Distance Drink Stations | |||
| Distance | Description | Whats on offer | |
| 5km | 100 m Lorne side of Cape Patton Look Out | DRINK STATION # 6 | Water |
| 9.43km | Turn OUT | DRINK STATION # 7 | Water /Maurten Drink Mix 160 |
| 14.41km | Turn OUT | DRINK STATION # 8 | Water /Maurten Drink Mix 160 |
| 18.31km | Telstra Phone box Turn Out – Bus Stop | DRINK STATION # 9 | Water /Maurten Drink Mix 160 |
| 21.61km | Turn Out 100m Past Pices Drive | DRINK STATION # 10 | Water /Maurten Drink Mix 160 |
| 22.89km | Finish Between the Bollards in front of Apollo Bay Hotel | DRINK STATION # FINISH | Water /Maurten Drink Mix 160 |
Personal Refreshments and Clothing
There is a warm clothing service for the Half, Full and Ultra Marathon events.
There is a tear off section on your bib that you will be able to attach to your bag for identification. We also recommend adding a label with your name and mobile number.
A warm clothing truck will be situated at both the Half Marathon start line (Kennett River) and the Full/Ultra Marathon start line (Lorne). Bring your warm clothing inside your own waterproof bag to this truck, and it will be re-located to the finish line (Apollo Bay) for you to come and collect post-race.
Note that the race organisers do not accept any responsibility for lost or stolen goods.
Transport
All morning buses will depart from 5:15am on Sunday. There is no “last bus”, please arrive at 5:15am.
- Lorne to Kennett River
- Wye River (Vline bus stop) to Kennett River
- Apollo Bay (Main St) to Kennett River
- Pisces Drive to Kennett River
- Skenes Creek (Vline bus stop) to Kennett River
After the event (from Apollo Bay from 12 noon until 3:30pm sharp):
- Apollo Bay (Thompson St) to Skenes Creek
- Apollo Bay (Thompson St) to Kennett River
- Apollo Bay (Thompson St) to Wye River
- Apollo Bay (Thompson St) to Lorne
Expo
There will be a Festival Hub in Apollo Bay that will have official merchandise.
Opening hours are:
| DATE | TIME |
| Friday 14 May | 9:00am-6:00pm |
| Saturday 15 May | 8:00am-6:00pm |
| Sunday 16 May | 9:00am-2:30pm |
Finishers T-Shirts, Medals and Certificates
All finishers will receive a medal and an e-certificate.
Weather Conditions
The average high temperature in May for Apollo Bay is 16 degrees Celsius and an average low temperature of 10 degrees Celsius.
There is an average of 16 days rain in May so please ensure to pack appropriate wet weather running gear, just in case
Other Events
60km Ultra Marathon
44km Marathon
14km Paradise Run
6km Fun Run
1.5km Kids Gallop
12km Trail Run
5km or 10km Great Ocean Road Walk
Great Ocean Road Half Marathon FAQs
How hard is the Great Ocean Road half-marathon?
The Great Ocean Road Half Marathon may not be overly challenging for a seasoned runner however it does present challenges due to its undulating course and extra distance.
The route offers a mix of flat sections, rolling hills, and a few steep climbs, particularly as it takes runners along the scenic coastal road.
The difficulty can vary depending on an individual’s training, experience, and preparedness for variable terrain.
How long is the Great Ocean Road Half Marathon?
The Great Ocean Road Half Marathon covers a distance of approximately 23 kilometres (around 14.3 miles).
This is slightly longer than the standard half marathon distance of 21.1 kilometres (13.1 miles), making it a unique challenge for participants.
There is also a Marathon 44km and Ultra Marathon 60km race option.
Can friends and family watch me along the course?
Friends and family are encouraged to cheer competitors on as they cross the finish line.
Please note, for all events finishing in Apollo Bay on Sunday 19 May, supporters will not be allowed on the Great Ocean Road between Lorne and Skenes Creek from 7:00am – 2:30pm. While the road is closed there will be an inland detour route provided.
