Portland 3 Bays Running Festival
Register NowRace day: Saturday, 31 October 2026
About This Event
Experience the Portland 3 Bays Running Festival on 31 Oct 2026 – a coastal celebration featuring a 60km ultra trail, 30km trail, marathon, half and quarter marathons. Run stunning cliffs, beaches and historic streets in vibrant Portland, VIC. Suitable for seasoned ultra runners and beginners alike.
Events & entry fees
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Saturday 31 October
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102km Hybrid Fool6:30amTBA
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60km Trail Ultra Marathon6:30am$180
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42.2km Marathon8am$150
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21.1km Half Marathon9:45am$90
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10.5km Quarter Marathon9:45am$60
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30km Trail RunStart TBA$110
Entry fees as listed on 29 Oct 2026. Prices often rise after early bird, so check the entry page for today's price.
Quick Facts
- Date
- Saturday, 31 October 2026
- Terrain
- Mixed (road & trail)
- Location
- Portland, VIC
- Entry Fee
- $40 - $180
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Start Time
- 6:30 AM (first wave — see schedule)
- Good for Beginners
- Yes – shorter distances like the 10.5km Quarter Marathon and Half Marathon are beginner‑friendly
Event Details
Course Description
The 60km Yumbah Trail Ultra kicks off at Bridgewater Lakes and follows the Great South West Walk, tackling single‑track forest, beach sections and dramatic coastal headlands such as the Blowholes, Cape Nelson and Point Danger before finishing on the Portland Bay foreshore. A new 30km coastal trail offers a shorter but still rugged experience. On Sunday, the road events start near the Portland Basketball Stadium and wind through Bridgewater Bay, Discovery Bay and the historic limestone caves, featuring two notable climbs – the ‘Dipper’ and the ‘Shuffler’ – before a flat eight‑kilometre straight on Cashmore Straight and a downhill finish along Bentinck Street. The 10.5km Quarter Marathon follows the flat final leg of the marathon, while relay teams can tackle the full marathon distance in four‑person teams.
Getting There
Participants meet at the Portland Basketball Stadium (corner of Otway & Fitzgerald Streets) for the road races, with shuttle buses departing at 9:00 am (half marathon) and 9:15 am (quarter marathon). Trail runners gather at Bridgewater Lakes, where a 5:40 am bus leaves Portland for the 60 km Ultra. Bibs are collected at the start line on Saturday and at the stadium on Sunday. For parking and additional transport options, see the official website.
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
The festival takes place in spring, when Portland enjoys mild daytime highs of around 17 °C and cool nights dropping to about 8 °C. Expect partly sunny skies with occasional coastal breezes and the chance of light rain, as October averages 848 mm of annual rainfall. Dress in breathable layers, bring a waterproof, hooded jacket and a hat for sun protection. A light pair of gloves can help on early‑morning trail sections. Carry at least 1 L of water and consider electrolyte drinks for longer distances.
Race details last updated 13 Sep 2026
Ready to run Portland 3 Bays Running Festival?
Register NowFrequently Asked Questions
How do I register and what are the entry fees?
Registration is handled through the Portland Runners Club website. Entry fees vary by distance and season, ranging from $40 for the 10.5 km Quarter Marathon up to $180 for the 60 km Ultra. Check the official website for the latest fee schedule and any registration deadlines.
What are the start times and how can I get to the start locations?
Trail races start at 6:30 am from Bridgewater Lakes; a 5:40 am bus departs Portland for the start line. Road races begin at the Portland Basketball Stadium (corner of Otway & Fitzgerald Streets) with shuttle buses leaving at 9:00 am for the half marathon and 9:15 am for the quarter marathon. Arrive early and confirm transport details on the event website.
Is there mandatory equipment for the trail events?
Yes. All participants in the 60 km Ultra must carry a waterproof, hooded, seam‑sealed jacket; a mobile phone (Telstra preferred); capacity to carry 1 L of water; an emergency space blanket; a whistle; and two compression bandages. Spot checks will be performed, and missing items may result in time penalties.
What are the cut‑off times for the 60 km Ultra?
Cut‑off points are Bridgewater Café (17.5 km) at 9:30 am, Cape Nelson Lighthouse (37 km) at 12:40 pm, Quarry Road carpark (50 km) at 2:50 pm, and the finish line at 4:30 pm. Runners must reach each checkpoint by the listed time to stay in the race.
Can I enter a relay team for the marathon?
Relay teams are welcome, with options for primary and secondary school relays as well as 4‑person and 8‑person teams covering the full marathon distance. Relays start at 8:15 am and entry fees range from $80 to $160. See the official website for team composition rules and registration details.
parkruns near this race
Free, timed 5km every Saturday morning. A good hit-out between races.
- Portland parkrun Sat 8:00am · 2.1 km away · Portland
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