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 16 May 2026
Check out: Mon 18 May 2026 - Race Day Transfers (runners only)
- Invite to Travelling Fit’s Great Ocean Road Marathon Closed Facebook 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 in Lorne, a seaside town on Louttit Bay in Victoria, the Marathon course winds its way along the Great Ocean Road to the finishing line in Apollo Bay.
The course itself is flat to undulating with an elevation gain of around 488m and there are several long, upwards sections on the course, most notably from the Cumberland River at the 5km mark to the top of Mount Defiance at around the 9km mark. The second long (ish) incline comes just after the 21km mark, taking you from the Kennett River to Cape Patton.
The last 10km of the course is relatively flat.
Testimonials
Race Information
Entry Fees
The entry Fee to the Great Ocean Road Marathon is included in the cost of your package
Qualifying Times
There are no qualifying times for the Great Ocean Road Marathon.
All participants MUST be 18 years or older on race day
Start Time
The Great Ocean Road 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 Marathon will be timed using chip technology
Race Packets
Australian Competitors
Race Packs are only posted to those who register prior to 11.59pm Tuesday 31 March (date TBC) and provide an Australian address on their registration. If for any reason your Race Pack does not arrive, a replacement pack can be collected from the Race Week Office. Please note, if you enter the Event between 12:00am on Wednesday 08 April and 11:59pm on Tuesday 14 April, you will have the option of paying for priority postage or collection from the event race offices (Lorne and Apollo Bay) during race office hours.
Registering from 12:00am Wednesday 01 April (date TBC) onwards, means you will be required to pick up/collect your Event 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 15 May 3:00pm – 8:00pm
- Saturday 16 May 9:00am – 8:00pm
- Sunday 17 May 6:00am – 12:00pm
General enquiries only. Race bibs must be collected prior to Sunday 18 May.
Apollo Bay Surf Life Saving Club
Great Ocean Rd
Apollo Bay, Victoria, 3233
The Opening hours are:
- Friday 15 May 9:00am – 6:00pm
- Saturday 16 May 8:00am – 6:00pm
- Sunday 17 May 6:00am – 2:30pm
General enquiries only. Race bibs must be collected prior to Sunday 17 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
There are no official Pace Setters in this event
Aid Stations
There are 12 drink stations along the Marathon course.
Water will be provided on course as well as Maurten 160 Drink Mix.
You may also choose to carry your own sports drinks/gels with you.
Please discard this rubbish at the bins provided at the drink stations.
| Distance | Items Provided |
| Start Line | Water |
| 2.5km | Water |
| 5km | Water |
| 10.7km | Water /Maurten 160 Drink Mix |
| 15.4km | Water /Maurten 160 Drink Mix |
| 21.8km | Water |
| 26.6km | Water |
| 31.1km | Water /Maurten 160 Drink Mix |
| 36.2km | Water /Maurten 160 Drink Mix |
| 39.4km | Water /Maurten 160 Drink Mix |
| 43.1km | Water /Maurten 160 Drink Mix |
| Finish | Water /Maurten 160 Drink Mix |
Personal Refreshments and Clothing
Marathon competitors will be required to collect a warm clothing bag in order to check in their warm clothing on race day.
On Race Day you can drop off your labelled warm clothing bag at designated points at the start lines in Lorne.
After the race, you must collect your bag from Moore Street next to the Apollo Bay Hotel, near the event finish line.
Make sure you have your bib on you to ensure that volunteers will be able to hand back the warm clothing bag corresponding to your bib number.
Storage areas for warm clothing bags will be manned by volunteers and marshals on race day and it is strongly recommended that you avoid placing valuables in clothing bags.
Note that the race organisers do not accept any responsibility for lost or stolen goods.
Transport
Getting to the start line in Lorne (depart from 5:30am):
Please note there are two departure points along Main St. Please make sure you are at the departure point for Marathon/Ultra Marathon runners. Exact locations will be published closer to the event.
If you are staying in Lorne the start line is a short walk from your hotel and shuttle buses will be available to bring you back to Lorne after the race (departing from approx. 11am onwards)
Expo
| Friday, 15 May | 9:00am-6:00pm |
| Saturday, 16 May | 8:00am-6:00pm |
| Sunday, 17 May | 9:00am-2:30pm |
Finishes 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
23km Brooks Half Marathon
14km Paradise Run
6km Fun Run
1.5km Kids Gallop
12km Trail Run
5km or 10km Great Ocean Road Walk
Great Ocean Road Marathon FAQs
How long is the Great Ocean Road marathon?
The Great Ocean Road Marathon offers a unique experience with its main event covering a distance of 44 kilometres, rather than the traditional marathon length of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles).
Additionally, the event features other race distances catering to a variety of fitness levels and preferences, such as the half marathon (23km), Ultra Marathon (60km), the Great Ocean Road Walk (5km/10km) and more.
When is the Great Ocean Road Marathon?
The Great Ocean Road Marathon typically takes place in May of each year. However, it is important to check official sites to confirm.
This year’s 2024 event takes place on Sunday the 19th of May.
How difficult is the Great Ocean Road marathon?
Although not up there with some of the more difficult marathon events, the Great Ocean Road Marathon can be considered challenging due to several factors, including its unique distance of 44 kilometres, which exceeds the traditional marathon length.
The course is renowned for its stunning coastal views, but these come with the added challenge of varying elevations, including hills and bends, that test the endurance and agility of participants.
Preparation for this event should include training that focuses on both distance and elevation to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
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.
