If you've ever driven the Great Ocean Road and thought "I should run this" — well, someone else had the same idea and turned it into one of Australia's most visually spectacular running events. The Melrose Great Ocean Road Running Festival, held each May along Victoria's iconic south-west coast, spans two days and multiple distances, giving runners of every ability an excuse to spend a weekend in what might be the most beautiful running country in Australia.
The festival splits across two days and three locations. Saturday's events are based at Apollo Bay and include the 14km Paradise Run (a fan favourite for its route through the hinterland above the town), the 6km Great Escape, and the 1.5km Kids Gallop. Sunday moves the action to Lorne and Kennett River for the serious distances: the 60km Ultra Marathon, the 44km Marathon, a 12km trail run, and the 23km Half Marathon — which starts at Kennett River Holiday Park and follows the Great Ocean Road into Lorne. Every course is dominated by views of the Southern Ocean, the Otway Ranges, and the incredible limestone cliffs and beaches that make this stretch of road world-famous.
The 23km Half Marathon is the standout distance for many runners — fast enough to be a training run, long enough to feel like an achievement, and absolutely impossible to beat for scenery. The point-to-point course from Kennett River to Lorne means you finish right in the heart of town, ready for a coffee and something from one of Lorne's excellent cafes. Note: this event sells out quickly, often within hours of entries opening.
Accommodation in Lorne and Apollo Bay books out months in advance for this weekend, so plan early. The event attracts around 3,500 participants across both days, which makes for a lively atmosphere but also means you need to be organised about logistics. May weather on the Great Ocean Road is typically cool and clear — perfect running conditions, but bring an extra layer for the start line.
Lorne is roughly two hours from Melbourne CBD, and Apollo Bay is around 2h45. There's no practical public transport, so a car (or a designated driver) is essential. Parking in Lorne on race day can be tight — follow race director instructions carefully and plan to arrive early.
