For 363 days of the year, a convoy of tour buses, travellers and sightseers traverse Victoria’s picturesque Great Ocean Road.

But for one weekend in May, the scenic route belongs solely to 8,000 athletes pounding the pavement in The 2019 Great Ocean Road Running Festival.

Registrations are open for all seven running events taking place from Saturday 18 – Sunday 19 May 2019, from a 60km Ultra Marathon to a 1.5km Kids Gallop.

The courses follow the coastline between Lorne and Apollo Bay with runners afforded stunning vistas of the Southern Ocean as they challenge themselves to complete their event. Festival Director Marcus Gale said The Great Ocean Road Running Festival was the only time traffic on the Australian Heritage-listed road was stopped for runners to enjoy the road. Adding to the camaraderie of the destination event is a program of free entertainment and activities for runners, their families and support crews in two festival hubs at Lorne and Apollo Bay. Registrations are now open with runners encouraged to register before April 9 to save on entry, as well as ensuring they receive their personalised race bib delivered direct to their door.

The 2019 Great Ocean Road Running Festival

May 18-19
Lorne to Apollo Bay, Victoria

Saturday 18th May
Paradise Run & Wheelchair Race (14km)
Run (6km)
Great Ocean Road Real Estate Kids’ Gallop (1.5km)

Sunday 19th May
Lorne Hotel Great Ocean Road Walk (5km or 10km) Ultra Marathon (60km)
Great Ocean Road Marathon (44km)
Half Marathon (23km)

For information and tickets, visit www.greatoceanroadrunfest.com.au

Don't forget to compare your flight tickets here to get the best flight deals to Australia!