Sandman 50
Official WebsiteAbout This Event
Experience the Sandman 50, a 50km sunrise beach ultra from Old Dunsborough boat ramp to Busselton Jetty and back. Run solo or in a 2‑person relay on sand under a full moon – ideal for seasoned ultra runners seeking a coastal challenge.
Events & entry fees
Save the ones you’re doing to My races. Free with a MyRaceHub account.
Saturday 23 January
-
50km2am$70
-
25km2am$95
Entry fees as listed on 4 Oct 2026. Prices often rise after early bird, so check the entry page for today's price.
Quick Facts
- Date
- Saturday, 23 January 2027
- Terrain
- Beach
- Location
- Old Dunsborough boat ramp, WA
- Entry Fee
- $70 solo (AURA members $60), $95 relay team
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Start Time
- 2:00 AM
- Good for Beginners
- No – ultra distance, pre‑dawn start and mandatory headlamp make it best for experienced runners
Event Details
Course Description
The 50km course follows the low‑tide edge of Geographe Bay, starting at the Old Dunsborough boat ramp. Runners head north along the hard‑packed sand to the iconic Busselton Jetty, turn around and retrace the same shoreline back to Dunsborough. The nominal race line stays within three metres of the water, offering uninterrupted ocean views and the sound of surf. Two aid stations provide water only at the 14km/36km marks and at the 25km turnaround, with an extra water stop at the Dunsborough Sea Rescue ramp (44km). Participants must carry at least 600 ml of water, wear a headlamp before 5:30 am, and be self‑sufficient for food and clothing.
Getting There
The race begins at the Old Dunsborough boat ramp in the coastal town of Dunsborough, WA. Parking and public transport options are not detailed on the event page, so participants should check the official website for the latest information on parking facilities and any bus or train services. Registration opens at 12:01 am on race day, so arriving early to collect your bib and set up your drop bag is recommended.
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
January is summer in Western Australia, with daytime highs around 30–33 °C (86–91 °F) and night lows near 18–20 °C (64–68 °F). The coastal breeze keeps humidity moderate and the sky is usually clear, though sea mist can appear early. Runners should wear lightweight, breathable clothing, a wide‑brim hat, sunscreen and sunglasses, and stay well‑hydrated. Because the race starts before dawn, a quality headlamp and an extra layer for the early‑morning chill are essential.
Race details last updated 5 Oct 2026
Ready to run Sandman 50?
Official WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
When does registration open and close?
Registration opens in mid‑2026. The exact closing date isn’t listed, so please check the official website for the latest registration deadlines.
What are the start time and cut‑off times?
The race starts at 2:00 AM on 23 January 2027. Solo runners must reach the 25 km turnaround by 5:15 AM; relay teams have a 5:30 AM cut‑off.
What gear is mandatory on race day?
All participants must wear a visible race number, carry at least 600 ml of water, and have a headlamp with a minimum 50 m beam (and sufficient battery) for any part of the course before 5:30 AM. A weather‑proof jacket may be required if conditions are poor.
Can I run the race as part of a team?
Yes – the event offers a 2‑person relay. Teams change over at the Busselton Jetty (25 km point). Both members must register; the team captain creates the team, pays the $95 fee and shares an access code with the teammate.
What is the refund policy?
If you withdraw more than 14 days before the race you receive a full refund minus a $25 administration fee. No refunds are given after that date, and T‑shirts are non‑refundable.
parkruns near this race
Free, timed 5km every Saturday morning. A good hit-out between races.
- Centennial Park parkrun, Dunsborough Sat 8:00am · 1.7 km away · Dunsborough
- Geographe Bay parkrun Sat 8:00am · 23 km away · Busselton
Is this your event?
Claim Sandman 50 to keep its details up to date — dates, distances, entry fees and course information. Free, and it takes a minute.
- Correct your race's details yourself, any time
- Runners see accurate info when they're deciding what to enter
- Optionally feature your event in search results