Buffalo Stampede Festival
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Race Schedule & Entry Fees
| Distance | Date | Start Time | Entry Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100km | Fri, 27 Mar | 06:00 | $460 |
| 100km Team Relay | Fri, 27 Mar | 06:00 | $500 |
| 42km SkyMarathon | Fri, 27 Mar | 07:20 | $290 |
| 20km SkyRun | Fri, 27 Mar | 07:30 | $170 |
| 5km Family Trail | Fri, 27 Mar | 08:00 | $25 |
| 2km Junior Trail | Fri, 27 Mar | 08:45 | $10 |
| 10km Twilight | Fri, 27 Mar | 18:00 | $90 |
| 152km Ultra Slam | Fri, 27 Mar | TBA | $650 |
| 72km Grand Slam | Fri, 27 Mar | TBA | $480 |
Event Details
About This Event
Australia's original skyrun and trail running festival featuring epic mountain challenges from 2km to 152km across Mount Buffalo National Park. Over 3,000 trail runners participate in distances ranging from family-friendly trails to the ultimate 100km mountain ultra.
Course Description
The Buffalo Stampede Festival offers epic mountain trail running across Mount Buffalo National Park in Victoria's High Country. The flagship 100km course journeys from Bright to the Horn, the highest point of Mount Buffalo, delivering the ultimate mountain ultra experience. The 42km SkyMarathon provides a unique downhill mountain marathon from Mount Buffalo to Bright, while the 20km SkyRun tackles a challenging loop conquering Mystic and Clearspot. The 10km Twilight kicks off the festival with a fun twilight ascent of Emily's Spur before descending through Mystic Park's mountain bike trails. Stage race enthusiasts can tackle the 72km Grand Slam (10k/20k/42k over three days) or the extreme 152km Ultra Slam (10k/100k/42k). Family-friendly 5km and 2km trails ensure everyone can participate in Australia's premier trail running festival.
Quick Facts
Getting There
The race hub is located at Pioneer Park Recreation Reserve, 64/72 Coronation Ave, Bright VIC 3741. Bright is approximately 3 hours northeast of Melbourne via the Great Alpine Road. Ample parking is available at Pioneer Park. For the 42km SkyMarathon, shuttles depart from the Event Village at 5:20 AM to transport runners to the Mount Buffalo Chalet start line. Arrive early on race morning for bib collection, mandatory gear checks, and drop bag organisation. The 100km requires arrival on Friday afternoon for gear check.
Weather & What to Pack
Late March in the Victorian High Country brings autumn conditions with crisp mornings and mild days. Expect temperatures ranging from 8-22°C in Bright, but conditions on Mount Buffalo can be significantly colder, especially at higher elevations where temperatures may drop near freezing. Mountain weather is highly variable - be prepared for sunshine, rain, wind, or even snow at altitude. The 100km runners will experience overnight conditions requiring warm layers. Pack sunscreen for exposed ridge sections and prepare for rapid weather changes. Mandatory gear lists reflect mountain safety requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What mandatory gear is required?
All longer distance races (10km, 20km, 42km, 100km, and stage races) have mandatory gear requirements checked at bib collection. This typically includes a waterproof jacket, emergency blanket, first aid supplies, headtorch, nutrition, and hydration. The 100km has the most extensive list due to the overnight mountain conditions. Full mandatory gear lists are available on the official website and must be carried throughout the race.
Can I have a pacer for the 100km?
Yes, pacers are permitted for the 100km solo event from the Chalet aid station (68km) inbound to the finish. Only one pacer can accompany a runner at any time, though different pacers can be used for each remaining leg. Pacers must register separately (no fee) and meet all mandatory gear requirements for the sections they're pacing.
What are the cut-off times?
The 10km Twilight has a 3-hour cut-off (9:00 PM), the 20km SkyRun allows 7 hours (2:40 PM cut-off), the 42km SkyMarathon permits until 6:00 PM, and the 100km has a generous 28-hour limit (10:00 AM Sunday). Stage races must complete each individual distance within its respective cut-off time. Cut-offs are strictly enforced for safety and course management.
How does the team relay work?
The 100km Team Relay requires teams of four runners who divide the 100km course into four legs. Teams must nominate a captain who registers first, then team members join using the team code. The relay format allows friends to tackle this iconic course together, with each runner completing approximately 25km. Team relay pricing is $500 for the captain (includes all four spots).
What's included in the stage races?
The 72km Grand Slam combines the 10km Twilight (Friday), 20km SkyRun (Saturday), and 42km SkyMarathon (Sunday), while the 152km Ultra Slam is the ultimate challenge featuring the 10km Twilight (Friday), 100km (Saturday), and 42km SkyMarathon (Sunday). Stage race entries cover all individual distances and receive combined awards. You'll need to manage recovery between days while accumulating serious vertical gain across Victoria's High Country.
Last updated: 26 December 2025
