Buffalo Stampede Festival
Official WebsiteAbout This Event
Australia's original skyrun and trail festival at Mount Buffalo, offering distances from 2km to 152km amid spectacular Alpine scenery. Perfect for families, beginners and ultra‑runners alike.
Events
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Friday 19 March
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100KM6am
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42KM SkyMarathon7:20am
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20KM SkyRun7:30am
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5KM Family Trail8am
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2KM Junior Trail Kids8:45am
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10KM Twilight6pm
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152KM Ultra SlamStart TBA
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72KM Grand SlamStart TBA
Quick Facts
- Date
- Friday, 19 March 2027
- Terrain
- Trail
- Location
- Pioneer Park Recreation Reserve, Bright, VIC
- Entry Fee
- Check official website
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Start Time
- 6:00 AM
- Good for Beginners
- Yes – the event includes 2km and 5km family trails, plus a 10km twilight run that are perfect for first‑time trail runners.
Free training
Training for Buffalo Stampede Festival?
A free plan to race day, with your own paces: three controlled sessions a week and everything else easy, on your calendar. Race day is Fri 19 Mar, 20 weeks away; your training tapers into it and recovers after.
Free with a MyRaceHub account. Saves the race to your races and sets up a plan for it, with a taper and recovery.
Event Details
Course Description
The Buffalo Stampede courses thread through the alpine bush of Mount Buffalo National Park, starting at Pioneer Park Recreation Reserve. Runners tackle steep ascents like Emily's Spur, technical single‑track, and sweeping ridge‑line views to the Horn. The 42km SkyMarathon descends from the summit back to Bright, while the 100km ultra climbs to the Horn before looping through remote valleys. Shorter family and junior trails stay on gentle forest paths, ensuring a safe yet exhilarating experience for all ages.
Getting There
Enter Pioneer Park Recreation Reserve via Coronation Avenue, Bright. Free on‑site parking is available at the event village; limited spaces fill quickly, so arrive early. The nearest train station is Bright (V/Line) with a short shuttle or taxi ride to the venue. If driving from Melbourne, take the M31 to the Ovens Valley, then follow signs to Bright (approx. 3‑hour drive). Aim to be at the village by 5:30 am for the 100km start.
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
March in Bright is autumn. Expect daytime highs around 26 °C and overnight lows near 9 °C, with low humidity and clear skies. Dress in layers – a breathable base, insulated mid‑layer and a wind‑proof jacket for early‑morning runs. A hat, gloves and sturdy trail shoes are essential, and carry a water bottle or hydration pack as temperatures can swing quickly.
Race details last updated 21 Sep 2026
Ready to run Buffalo Stampede Festival?
Official WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
When and where do I collect my race bib?
Bib collection and mandatory gear checks are at the Bright Brewery on Thursday 26 March (12‑6 pm) and Friday 27 March (10 am‑6 pm). For the 100km race, you can also collect at the Event Village on Friday evening (7‑8 pm).
What gear is mandatory for the trail races?
All participants must carry a fully charged GPS watch, a headlamp (for night sections), a whistle, and a minimum of 1 L of water. Trail shoes with good grip, a hat and sunscreen are strongly recommended.
Are there cut‑off times for each distance?
Yes. The 10km twilight race has a 3‑hour cut‑off (9 pm). The 20km cut‑off is 7 hours (2:40 pm). The 100km ultra cut‑off is 28 hours (10 am on Sunday). Check the official schedule for each distance.
Can I bring a support crew or vehicle to the start line?
Support crews are welcome at the event village and can meet runners at the designated aid stations. Vehicles are only permitted in the designated parking area; they cannot be parked on the trail or at aid stations.
Is there accommodation near the venue?
Bright offers a range of options – from the Mount Buffalo Chalet (shuttle service for the 42km start) to local motels, B&Bs and campgrounds. Book early, as accommodation fills quickly during the festival weekend.
parkruns near this race
Free, timed 5km every Saturday morning. A good hit-out between races.
- Bright parkrun Sat 8:00am · 0.8 km away · Bright
- Mount Beauty parkrun Sat 8:00am · 18 km away · Mount Beauty
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