Australia’s most stunning running event, the Kieser Great Ocean Road Running Festival is expanding, offering two new events when it returns this May 15-16. The Suunto Trail runs will offer 6.5km and 13km distances giving runners a new way to experience the natural beauty of the region. Both events will take place in Lorne on Sunday, May 16 following the Marathon and Ultra Marathon. Incorporating popular established trails within the Great Otway National Park, the courses will start on the iconic Great Ocean Road, before delving into beautiful native forest tracks filled with eucalypt and fern, then returning to the Lorne Foreshore.
Since announcing its return last month, the running festival has seen record registration numbers, further indication of the running revival currently underway. In further good news, the Kieser Great Ocean Road Running Festival has been granted approval under the Public Events Framework to host up to 6,250 participants for each day of the event. Festival Director Brad King says plans are well underway to deliver one of the biggest running events in the region, post COVID-19.
“We’ve been working with DHHS and the relevant stakeholders on our plans to deliver a safe and enjoyable event for all participants. Registrations are up from 2019, which was a record year in attendance. We know runners are keen to get involved and challenge themselves in this iconic location.”
The Kieser Great Ocean Road Running Festival is an important event driving economic benefit from one of Victoria’s hardest hit tourist destinations. In 2019, it is estimated the participants and their travelling parties spent more than $15 million dollars at local businesses within the region. Great Ocean Road Tourism General Manager, Liz Price welcomed the return of the popular running festival.
“The return of the Great Ocean Road Running Festival will bring significant optimism to the region and the industry’s recovery efforts. Events are such a significant driver of visitation for the Great Ocean Road region, especially in our off-peak season. We look forward to working with the festival to maximise attendance and optimise the benefits for the local economy.”
Runners and walkers interested in participating in this years’ event are encouraged to register soon to ensure they don’t miss out on the experience of conquering this uniquely challenging and rewarding course.
Registrations for the 2021 event are now open, with registrations received prior to 5th April eligible to have their race pack posted to them directly.
