Run Forrest Half Marathon Trail Run
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About This Event
Run Forrest Half Marathon Trail Run takes you through the breathtaking Otway Ranges on 6 km, 10 km and half‑marathon trails, offering lush fern gullies, river views and challenging hills for all abilities.
Events
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Saturday 12 June
-
Half Marathon11am
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10km11:15am
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6km11:30am
Quick Facts
- Date
- Saturday, 12 June 2027
- Terrain
- Trail
- Location
- Barwon Water Reserve, Hennigan Cres, Forrest, VIC
- Entry Fee
- Check official website
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Start Time
- 11:00 AM (Half Marathon) – check schedule for other distances
- Good for Beginners
- Yes – the 6 km course is perfect for newcomers, while the longer routes provide a step‑up for seasoned runners.
Free training
Training for Run Forrest Half Marathon Trail Run?
Race day is Sat 12 Jun 2027, 32 weeks away. Free training plans start up to 20 weeks before race day, so a plan for it can start from 25 January. Save it now; until then, 12 weeks of building is a good start.
Free with a MyRaceHub account. Saves the race to your races and opens training setup.
Event Details
Course Description
The race starts at the Barwon Water Reserve beside the Barwon River and follows the famed Red Carpet trail, winding through fern‑covered gullies and alongside Lake Elizabeth. Runners tackle tight, off‑cambered turns, fast downhill sections and rolling hills that total 750‑800 m of elevation gain on the 21 km course. The 10 km route mirrors the half‑marathon but turns back at the top of the Red Carpet, while the 6 km loop heads up to the West Barwon Dam before descending back to the village. Three water stations are positioned at 5.5 km, 8 km (Lake Elizabeth) and 16 km, with the 6 km runners carrying their own water.
Getting There
From Melbourne, take the M1 south and follow signs to Colac, then turn onto the Great Ocean Road and follow the 2‑hour drive to Forrest. On‑street parking is available throughout the township; there is no parking at the race village. Bring cash for on‑day entry as EFTPOS may be unreliable. Arrive at least 30 minutes before registration opens at 9:00 AM.
Where to Stay
Places to stay near the start, priced for race weekend.
We may earn a small referral fee if you book through this map — you pay the same price.
Weather & What to Pack
June is winter in Victoria, with typical daytime temperatures between 5 °C and 15 °C and a chance of rain. Expect cool, damp conditions in the Otway Ranges, so dress in layers, wear a waterproof jacket and good trail shoes, and carry a small hydration pack despite the water stations. A warm base layer and hat or beanie will help keep you comfortable.
Race details last updated 11 Oct 2026
Ready to run Run Forrest Half Marathon Trail Run?
Register NowWe may earn a small referral fee if you enter via this link — you pay the same price.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register for Run Forrest?
Register online via the Run Forrest website under the "Online Entry" tab. Early‑bird, standard and late pricing are listed, but you must complete the form to see the exact fee. On‑day entries are accepted if spots remain, cash only.
What time should I arrive on race day?
Registration opens at 9:00 AM at the race village. Arriving by 8:30 AM gives you time to collect your bib, attend the 10:40 AM briefing and warm‑up before the first start at 11:00 AM.
Do I need to bring my own water?
Yes. The 21 km and 10 km courses have three water stations (5.5 km, 8 km at Lake Elizabeth, and 16 km). The 6 km and kids races have no stations, so carry a hydration pack or bottled water.
Is there parking available at the venue?
There is no dedicated race‑village parking. Street parking is available throughout Forrest; avoid blocking driveways and note that grass areas can be very wet. No parking fees are charged.
What facilities are provided on site?
Toilets are located at the race village, and a coffee van and wood‑fired pizza truck serve food. Medical assistance is on standby, and a bag drop is not offered, so keep valuables with you.
parkruns near this race
Free, timed 5km every Saturday morning. A good hit-out between races.
- Lake Colac parkrun Sat 8:00am · 23 km away · Colac
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