Test Barwon Heads Bluff Bash

Welcome to 12th edition of the Surf Coast Trail Marathon, a trail running event offering participants marathon and half marathon runs along the stunning Surf Coast Walk tracking from Torquay to Fairhaven on Victoria’s famed Surf Coast, an hour south west of Melbourne.

In the marathon, you can have a crack at the full distance solo, or knock off roughly half each in teams of two (great for parents juggling kid duties!). Or try the half for a taster. Or sneak in a cracking 8km, a NEW distance for SCTM to welcome all to the trails.

In many ways, this is the perfect event for all runners eyeing the two quintessential distances. For road runners it offers a first taste for trail, without being intimidating as a relatively non-technical, non-remote, non-mountainous trail.

For experienced trailites, the route still features stunning wilderness with coastal viewpoints you won’t believe (and becomes a truly go-fast course with plenty of good twists and turns).

From iconic Bells Beach (yes you run a short stretch of this hallowed turf) to the clifftops of Point Addis and Anglesea and on to Split Point lighthouse at Aireys Inlet: this course deserves to be renowned for the sheer experience of journeying through a unique natural environment. We thought that a run along its entirety was worth a shot.

Join us on Sunday, September 20th, 2026, for the inaugural Geelong Running Festival 6.5KM, Half Marathon and Geelong’s first ever Marathon.

Run or walk around the streets of Geelong traffic free, pass through iconic Kardinia Park, and enjoy the picturesque views of Corio Bay and the Eastern Beach foreshore.

We have partnered with Grassrootz to help us raise $250,000 for local charities in 2026, so explore the incredible local charities you can support, and help us make a positive and lasting impact in our community.

On Saturday, September 19th, we will also have a kids mile and all-abilities mile too!