Otway Trail Run 2026

Event Overview

Otway Trail Run is held on Sunday 22 March 2026 in Victoria, running between Barongarook / Kawarren and the Otways village of Gellibrand. The event offers a 16km run starting from Barongarook and a 6km run/walk starting from Kawarren, with both finishing at Rex Norman Park in Gellibrand. It is hosted by the Rotary Club of Colac.

What the Course Demands

The 16km route is described as heading downhill early from Barongarook before reaching a drink station around the 6.3km mark, then tackling a hill and continuing through undulating sections toward Kawarren and on to Gellibrand. The layout rewards athletes who can settle into changing gradients, manage effort over rises, and stay consistent between aid points.

Who This Event Suits Best

This event suits runners looking for a shorter regional run with a point-to-point feel and clear intermediate challenge in the 16km. The 6km run/walk option can work well for first-time participants or those returning to steady event participation. Athletes who prefer varied terrain over a fixed-lap format are likely to enjoy it.

TRAINING GUIDE

What Is a Virtual Marathon? Run Anywhere and Still Earn Your Medal

Traditional marathons can be tough to fit into real life. Travel, time off work, big crowds, early start lines—it’s a lot. But what if you could run a marathon anywhere, on...

Read the guide

Preparing for This Event

If you are considering this event and want some structure around your preparation, a targeted training plan can help you arrive feeling confident rather than underprepared. The aim is not to train harder, but to train in a way that suits the distance, terrain, and likely conditions of the course.

• 5km Running Training Plan
• Custom Event Training Plan

Choosing a plan is optional, but having structure can remove uncertainty and make training easier to repeat week to week. The best option is the one that fits your current fitness, available time, and experience level.