Great Ocean Road Running Festival’s 20th Anniversary attracts record participation

The 20th edition of the Great Ocean Road Running Festival, presented by Melrose was the biggest event in two decades with a record 11,198 runners having competed.

The weekend-long celebration set new benchmark for future events taking place on the road trip between Lorne and Apollo Bay.

Since its inception as a single 44 kilometre marathon in 2005, the event has evolved into a two-day celebration of running, wellness and community. This year, participants took part in eight separate events covering everything from a 1.5 kilometre run for kids, to a 60 kilometre epic Ultra Marathon, beginning at Lorne Surf Life Saving Club and finishing at Apollo Bay Hotel.

The event benefits from a local connection with Official Charity Partner - the Apollo Bay & District Health Foundation - also providing all volunteers across the weekend. Following the 20th edition, the Festival has seen over $313,000 in donations to the organisation alone who in turn distribute significant grants to groups in the area including those operating in the education, sporting and health sectors.

Event Director, Brad King, said the record setting festival strikes the perfect balance between elite competition and family fun courtesy of the carnival-like atmosphere. Combined with a volunteer base made up entirely of locals, courtesy of the Apollo Bay & District Health Foundation, participants are truly welcomed into the region.

King noted “the beauty of this weekend is it’s genuinely driven by locals, the Apollo Bay & District Health Foundation do an amazing job of providing us with volunteers from the Wye River to Apollo Bay.

“That gives the entire weekend a welcoming and inviting experience which our participants love, and we’re really proud to be able to give back to the region through funds raised which are distributed straight back to community groups.

“There’s plenty of serious runners, and of course part-time and beginner level entrants looking to test themselves, and we also have instances of athletes nominating across multiple categories so they could run with family and friends which makes it a really social weekend.”

Thanks to the partnership, local schools have been able to fund programs like cyber bullying workshops for parents, Life Saving Clubs have purchased vital equipment such as surf skis and outboard motors, and Ambulance Victoria has been able to provide training and life-saving tools.

In addition, this year’s event saw over $177,000 raised for various charities of runners’ choice including Beyond Blue, Australian Cancer Research Foundation and FightMND.

In 2025, Elliott Preater (Great Britain), Dion Finocchiaro (Vic) and Sebastian Asher (Vic) claimed overall honours in the marquee Ultra Marathon, Melrose Great Ocean Road Marathon, and Brooks Half Marathon respectively.

Preater completed the Ultra Marathon with an impressive time of 4:20:03 to finish in first place, while Lauren Mellett was the first female athlete to cross with a time of 4:27:19 and in third position overall.

The Melrose Great Ocean Road Marathon was won overall by Finocchiaro, clocking a time of 2:34:42.16 with Danielle Rogan the first female to cross the line first at 3:08:55.65.

Taking out the Brooks Half Marathon was Asher with a time of 1:10:12.54. Amanda Wilson was the first female finisher completing the course in 1:27:24.46.

For those less inclined to pound the pavement, but keen to grow from ‘glassy’ to glory, the ever popular Pub-to-Pub Waiters Race saw locals carry a tray of beer from the Apollo Bay Hotel to the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse and back, adding to the fun on the weekend.

Off the course, participants enjoyed a suite of free activities and events including live music, pilates & yoga wellness programs, spa and wellness treatments, plus a number of sponsor activations and competitions, along with plenty of free entertainment for kids.

Sunday 18th May Results

Ultra Marathon:

• Male - Elliott Preater (Great Britain), 4:20:03

• Female - Lauren Mellett (SA), 4:27:19

Melrose Great Ocean Road Marathon:

• Male - Dion Finocchiaro (Vic), 2:34:42.16

• Female - Danielle Rogan (Vic), 3:08:55.65

Brooks Half Marathon:

• Male - Sebastian Asher (Vic), 1:10.12

• Female - Amanda Wilson (Vic), 1:27.24

High Sierra 12km Trail Run:

• Male - Liam Ryan-Nicholls (Vic), 47:40.10

• Female - Melanie Townsend (Vic), 54:15.54

Saturday 17th May Results

Chobani Fit 14km Paradise Run:

• Male - Andre Waring (Vic), 40:23.04

• Female - Charlotte Wilson (Vic), 47:46.39

SriLankan Airlines 6km Run:

• Male - Evander Scott (Vic), 18:39.21

• Female - Teyvia Williams (Vic), 23:36.95

Goodness Me 1.5km Kids Gallop:

• Male - Benjamin Hickingbotham (Vic), 6:13.90

• Female - Mia Di Mieri (Vic), 6:38.87

Complete results are available at www.greatoceanroadrunfest.com.au.

https://greatoceanroadrunfest.com.au/