COURSE OVERVIEW

ALLTRAILS MAP: Click HERE to open ALLTrails Map in a new browser.

The 8km course begins on Urquhart’s Beach - which is also the final aid station for the 21km and 42km distance runners.

NOTE: due to extremely limited parking and congestion at Urquharts, this distance CAN ONLY BE ENTERED and ACCESSED using our pre-paid bus transfers from Fairhaven Surf Lifesaving Club.

A bus fee is added to your entry and entries are strictly limited to 150.

We apologise for this logistical (and cost) impost, however it is the only way we can squeeze a shorter distance into the event that is worthwhile!

The course follows the exact route of the Surf Coast Walk all the way to the finish at the Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club. It’s worth familiarising yourself with the route prior to running it.

The course is mostly non technical bar a few roots and steps near Sunnymeade and it is well signposted. The course is perfect for road runners looking to try the trail phenomenon due to the ‘easy’ nature of the trails (and the fact you’re never too far from a latte).

The run begins with a short out and back along the beach (required to spread the field out somewhat before hitting the singletrack and lessen any bottle necks). Runners will then come off the beach, run past the longer distance aid station, and up into the singletrack trailhead, directly into a set of rocky stairs. It’s a short climb before a longer stretch of very cruisey and fun singletrack. If there are faster runners at your rear, please do move to one side and let them past! Runners passing - be polite, and say thank you!

The fun trail weaves through the heathland and clifftop landscapes, a highlight being teh view toward the lighthouse and Split Point’s impressive red cliffs. A photo point to be sure!

A short 50m dash on the sand at Sunnymeade having dropped down some stairs, and then back up again, runners slide into more singletrack wending its way to Split Point lighthouse and Airey’s Inlet.

This is sweet trail running, but mind the climb out of Eagle Rock (and the dogleg that gets you to it - remember to keep moving west along the coast!). You remain on singletrack until just before the lighthouse.

Run up the short stretch of private road to the base and hook to the right for more singletrack, including impressive views of Aireys Inlet. Run across the oval with the playground to your right and sidle up alongside the Great Ocean Road. It remains singletrack pretty much til the end where you will drop to the beach briefly and then the famous staircase finishline at the Fairhaven Surf Lifesaving Club.

EVENT PROGRAM DOWNLOAD

The Event Program will be available for download here closer to the event.

SURF COAST WALK MAP DOWNLOAD

The Surf Coast Trail Marathon is largely based on - and highlights - the popular Surf Coast Walk, a mostly graded walking trail that follows the stunning coastline between Torquay and Fairhaven.

It’s worth familiarising yourself with the route so when you are running on course you (1) have a general idea of where you need to be going and (2) so you know the Surf Coast Walk signage, which will also get you to the finishline should all our course marking be stolen!

NOTE: this is indicative only and is specifically for the Surf Coast Walk as a tourist walking attraction. The Surf Coast Trail Marathon course proper deviates slightly from this route, especially at the beginning (we do not start from Point Impossible, we start from in front of the Salty Dog Cafe, Fisherman’s Beach, Torquay).

Click HERE or on the image too download a copy of the map. Or visit a Surf Coast Visitor Information Centre at Torquay or Anglesea for more information.

KEY INFORMATION
8KM

RACE DATE
Saturday 20th June 2026

DISTANCE
8km

RECORDS
None set

START POINT
Urquharts Beach*, Surf Coast
https://maps.app.goo.gl/YKefxygB9CpQGE487

IMPORTANT NOTE #1: BIB PICK UP
You can pick up your bib at the Friday FLowstate Session if able. After that, the ONLY place and time to get your bib is from 9am-9.45am at Fairhaven Surf Lifesaving Club prior to catching the mandatory bus to the start line. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GET YOUR BIB AT THE START LINE after getting off bus!

IMPORTANT NOTE #2: MANDATORY BUS TRANSFER
All entrants are required to catch the event-provided buses to the start line, leaving (sharp) from Fairhaven Surf Lifesaving Club at 9.45am. There is llmited parking and congestion at Urquharts Beach start location - hence requirement for mandatory bus transfers.

END POINT
Fairhaven Surf Lifesaving Club, Fairhaven

ENTRY FEE*
$55 + free bus You Are The Worm’ Keen Bean
prior midnight 11/01/2026

$55 + $10 bus Early Bird pricing
12/01/26 - midnight 10/03/2026

$65 + $10 bus Regular entry pricing
11/03/2026 - midnight 07/05/2026

$70 + $10 bus Late entry pricing
8/05/2026 - midnight 07/06/2026

$80 + $10 bus Really? You’re just like our ‘Last Minute’ RD. Get in…
08/06/26 - event day

START TIME
10.30am
Race brief at start line

BIB PICK UP
1pm-7pm, Friday 19th
Flowstate Distillery,
17/10 Cylinders Dr, Torquay VIC 3228

6.30am-8.15am, Saturday 20th
Salty Dog Cafe, The Esplanade, Torquay

9.30am - 10.30am, Saturday 20th
Pt Addis Car Park, Pt Addis Rd
(Half marathoners only)

CUT-OFF TIME
none

DOWNLOAD
GPX

AID STATIONS & WATER POINTS

There are no aid stations for the 8km, until the finishline - found underneath the surf lifesaving club.

NOTE: THIS IS A CUP-FREE EVENT! There will be no cups supplied at aid stations on course or at the finish, in line with our, the Surf Coast Shire and Great Ocean Road Coastal Committee’s environmental stewardship. 

PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN hydration receptacles – hydropack, hand held bottles, water belt, collapsible cup…