Kilcunda Trail Running Festival
Official WebsiteAbout This Event
Experience the Kilcunda Trail Running Festival on 31 Jan 2027 – coastal trails, rolling hills and beach sections in Kilcunda, VIC. Choose from 5km to 21km routes for a scenic summer run.
Events & entry fees
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Sunday 31 January
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Half MarathonStart TBA$110
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17kmStart TBA$95
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10kmStart TBA$70
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5kmStart TBA$35
Entry fees as listed on 11 Oct 2026. Prices often rise after early bird, so check the entry page for today's price.
Quick Facts
- Date
- Sunday, 31 January 2027
- Terrain
- Trail
- Location
- Nature reserve opposite the Kilcunda Ocean View Hotel, 3531-3533 Bass Hwy, Kilcunda VIC 3995
- Entry Fee
- From $35 (see registration for each distance)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Start Time
- Check official website
- Good for Beginners
- Yes – the 5km option is suitable for beginners, while longer distances provide a greater challenge
Free training
Training for Kilcunda Trail Running 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 Sun 31 Jan, 13 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 Kilcunda Trail Running Festival winds through the Bass Coast nature reserve opposite the Kilcunda Ocean View Hotel. Runners experience rolling grassy slopes, sandy beach sections and rugged hills that rise between the dramatic Southern Ocean cliffs and pastoral fields. The 21km and 17km routes tackle the steep climbs and rewarding descents, while the 10km and family‑friendly 5km courses showcase the coastal dunes and forest tracks. Expect well‑marked single‑track, occasional boardwalks over wet ground, and stunning views of the ocean and surrounding farmland. The course is designed for both seasoned trail athletes and newcomers looking for a scenic run in a relaxed festival atmosphere.
Getting There
The race village is set in the nature reserve opposite the Kilcunda Ocean View Hotel on the Bass Highway. Kilcunda lies about 90 km south‑east of Melbourne along the Bass Coast. Parking and public transport options are provided locally; please check the official website for detailed directions, parking fees and bus or train schedules. Arrive early to collect your race packet and warm up.
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 midsummer in Victoria, so expect warm, sunny conditions along the coast. Typical daytime highs range from 20 °C to 28 °C, with evening lows around 12–15 °C. Humidity can be moderate and sea breezes may provide some relief. Wear light, breathable clothing, a hat and sunscreen, and carry enough water or use the aid stations. Early morning starts can be cooler, so consider a light layer.
Race details last updated 12 Oct 2026
Ready to run Kilcunda Trail Running Festival?
Official WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
How do I register and what are the entry fees?
Registration is done via the Race Roster website. Fees vary by distance and registration period – for example, the 5km standard fee is A$35, the 10km is A$70, the 17km is A$95 and the 21km is A$110. Early‑bird and late‑registration rates also apply. See the official event page for the full fee schedule.
What are the age requirements for each distance?
Minimum ages are listed on the registration page: 16 years for the 21km, 12 years for the 17km and 10km, and 5 years for the 5km race. Participants under these ages cannot enter the respective distance.
When does the race start and when should I arrive?
The exact start time is not published on the source pages. Check the official website for the start time and packet pick‑up details. It’s recommended to arrive early – at least 30‑45 minutes before the start – to collect your race packet and warm up.
What gear should I bring on race day?
Trail running shoes with good grip are essential. Bring water or plan to use the aid stations, a hat, sunscreen, and a light layer for possible morning chill. No mandatory gear is listed, but a timing chip will be provided in your race packet.
Is the course suitable for beginners?
Yes. The 5km route is designed as a beginner‑friendly option with gentle terrain. The longer 10km, 17km and 21km courses are more challenging, featuring hills and mixed surface sections, but are still well‑marked and supported.
parkruns near this race
Free, timed 5km every Saturday morning. A good hit-out between races, or an easy shakeout the day before this one.
- Phillip Island parkrun Sat 8:00am · 13 km away · Newhaven
- Inverloch parkrun Sat 8:00am · 24 km away · Inverloch
More Races in VIC
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