NOTE: THIS IS A CUP-FREE EVENT! There will be no cups supplied at aid stations on course or at the finish, in line with our, the Surf Coast Shire and Great Ocean Road Coastal Committee’s environmental stewardship. PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN hydration receptacles – hydropack, hand held bottles, water belt, collapsible cup…

What are the rules?

  • Run forwards on the course (although if you run backwards the entire way, we’ll think you are very special)

  • No biting, scratching, punching, kicking, and definitely no tripping, okay?

  • Don’t litter – this one’s serious. We’ll do all of the above to you if we find you doing that. Seriously, if you drop your gel wrapper, pick the damn thing up – the environment is way more important than your time. We’re tree huggers as well as runners. Don’t mess with this rule. We’ll disqualify your ass if caught.

  • Be courteous to fellow trail runners (they’re a nice bunch) and other walkers - the GOW is very popular and you will encounter other users, som please slow down, walk gently past them, say hello and keep up our rep as a friendly bunch just moving ever so slightly faster than them.

  • Use toilets provided at start line, along the route - there are a bunch- and finish line. There are a few public loos along the route mostly at camping spots and car parks, provided for walkers of the Great Ocean Walk – feel free to use them, too. Just not in the bush, okay? Some decorum, please…

  • If you are under the age of 18, you will need a parent or guardian to sign an indemnity form at registration. If you are younger than 16 for the 100km, we’ll need to see some proof that you are a gun at these distances. If you are 12, you’re joking…

  • Please follow the Parks Victoria and official GOW signs along the course. It will be well signposted along the trail. Don’t take any shortcuts – even on switchbacks

  • Keep to the left of the trail to allow faster runners to overtake

  • Wear your bib number at all times on the outermost garment

  • YOU MUST tell / advise an official or volunteer marshal if you are pulling out of the event due to injury or feeling unwell so we can notify the timing company and not have to search for you on the course.

  • If a marshall requests you to do something (okay, within reason – sensible things), please follow their instructions. They are there to help you not hinder, so whatever it is they are asking, there is good reason. Thank them.

  • Smile. You’re doing this for fun, remember.

  • Be nice to yourself. You’re a legend for just getting out there.

  • YOU MUST READ MORE RULES HERE (that’s a rule in itself… don’t fail this early… CLICK HERE.

Q. How does my stuff get to the finish line?

A. There will be a van near the start line on race morning where you can throw your bag for the finish. 

Q. Can I use drop bags?

A. Yes, they must be clearly labeled with your name and contact number and the intended aid station they are destined for.

NOTE: at this stage we will only operate drop bags for the halfway (55km/Johanna Beach) and 88km (Princetown) aid stations, TBC.

Drop bags need to be supplied by the end of the briefing on Friday.

And not too big please. Limited to the size of a regular shopping bag square (like the green Woolies ones). Please do not put anything in that is overly valuable - we take all care, but no responsibility for any lost bags / items - these things happen in the melee of things, and while of course we do our best, sometimes things go astray - so you trust us / our volunteers who transport things at your own peril!

Q. Where can I collect my drop bags from after the race?

A. They will all be transported to the finishline as checkpoints close.

Q. Is the briefing really mandatory?

A. Yes. Plan ahead to be there.

Q. Do I have to carry any compulsory items?

YES. SEE MANDATORY GEAR PAGE:

Q. I am not sure if my top/bottom meets the requirements for thermals.

A. Look for polypropylene (polypro) or merino. Compression gear, coolmax or basic tech is not enough. Email to check in advance if in doubt.

Q. Is my jacket good enough?

A. Only if it is waterproof, seam sealed, and has a hood. If you don't know if it is waterproof then it probably isn't. Email to check if in doubt. 

Q. Do we really need to carry all that stuff?

A. Yes. Unless specified at the race briefing. Bring all the mandatory kit in case it is needed. Remember: "Shipwreck Coast"! Don’t be a shipwreck of the trail.

Q. Will there be gear checks on course?

A. Yes

Q. Will the course be marked?

A. Not really. There is really clear Parks Victoria signage so there will only be some supplementary ribbons and arrows where needed. The course is really well signposted and if you read the signs you won't have a problem following the course. You will also have a mandatory CAPRA mapping app downloaded on your phone that works even when out of mobile phone range. That will tell you where you are, and where the course is. The dot that is you should be ON the line that is the course! If not - make your way to it.

Q. Will I get my feet wet?

A. Guaranteed.

Q. Will there be soft sand to run on?

A. Guaranteed.

Q. What is the elevation like?

A. Don't be fooled by being coastal. There are still some good little hills in there. Around 3,000 metres of gain will test you out. But it is still a pretty runnable course.

Q. Are there UTMB points?

A. We will try to have them accredited prior to race day. Stay tuned.

Q. What sort of supplies can I expect at the checkpoints?

A. No cups for a start. You will be given a collapsible silicon cup to carry. Or you can just use your own bottles. There will be water, Tailwind, some coke and lemonade and a variety of food, including hot food at latter checkpoints. Check the page on checkpoints. All food will be vegetarian.

Q. Will I enjoy this run?

A. Guaranteed.

Q. My question isn't on here?

A. Email the RD and he will respond, usually pretty quick. (Unless at another race.)

Q. When do I receive my bib?

A. We will not be posting out bibs and it is your responsibility to attend Bib pick up on:

Will there be a pre run briefing?

Yes - there will be an apron 45min race briefing (MANDATORY) at 6.30pm-7.30pm, Friday 25th October. There will also be a reminder briefing to all competitors at the start line for each race.

Do you have a map of the course? 

We are partnering with CAPRA and will supply mapping ASAP. There is also a zoomable map found here:

Will you have first aid available on the course?

Yes there will be first aid available to you. We will have Endurance Medical Services aid marshals at the start line, at the each key checkpoint, the finish line and roaming the course. EMS have roving first aiders able to get in to most of the course quickly – most if not all the EMS staff are trail runners and endurance athletes themselves – so they know their stuff and understand what you as runners are going through – you are in the best of hands. 

What happens if I get injured on the course and unable to finish?

  • Please notify an event marshal or volunteer so we can get the relevant first aid to you. If you don’t have a mobile phone and you injure yourself, please tell someone on the course to notify the nearest volunteer/event staff so we can organise first aid to you.

  • We will notify timing and classify your result as DNF – Did Not Finish.

  • Please make sure you notify event staff if you pull out of the race due to injury or feeling unwell so we don’t waste resources in looking for you on the course.

  • The Race Director/s mobile phone will be on the back of the number plate if you are carrying a mobile phone and need medical attention in an emergency.

  • If you are a runner and you find someone injured on course, ascertain if they need you to stay with them. If they do, wait for the next runner and tell them to keep going on course and notify the first marshall. If they do not need you to stay with them, please run on and notify the first marshall on course.

Am I likely to get lost?

The Great Ocean Ultra is conducted on the signposted Great Ocean Walk. They will be your primary navigation / way marking to follow. At some (limited) intersections we will add in Tour de Trails signage and/or pink reflective flagging, but in general: ocean to the left, Great Ocean Road somewhere to your right, and head west. No, you shouldn't get lost.

I’m a caffeine fiend and will likely get disorientated without a fix, what should I do?

We too are caffeine freaks so we understand your predicament. Unlike our sister event the Surf Coast Trail Marathon, there are no cafes en route. Like 2024 we will work to have an option at the start line, Johanna Bech and the finish line.

Are there water points along the course?

Yes there are water/aid stations stations / water points along the race route:

AID STATIONS

  • Blanket Bay 22km - *no support crew access please

  • Aire River Campground 41km

  • Johanna Beach 53km

  • The Gables 77km

  • Princetown approx 88km

You will also pass by some public toilets and campsites - most water found at these sites is UNTREATED and we do not recommend you use unless in an emergency. Follow warning signage at each site re: if potable or not and/or carry some purification tabs with you and then you can drink freely after treatment.

It is mandatory you carry your own hydration receptacle and sufficient hydration. To repeat the point above: carry hydration pack to keep yourself sufficiently hydrated and with food. And take some form of cup - ALL AID STATIONS ARE CUP FREE. No, you don’t get free cups. There are NO cups supplied. BYO.

NOTE (in case you missed the point):  we will not have any cups at aid stations. 

What is at the aid stations?

Salvation. In the form of smiles and heart encouragement. Oh, and some water or Tailwind Nutrition. Plus the regular mix of lollies, M&Ms, chips, muesli bars and at later stations some bread, jam/peanut butter/vegemite. We will supply a full list of supplies once we confirm.

What do I get with my entry?

  • a sense of pride

  • A sense of civic duty done and community goodwill – part of your entry fee goes towards GORCC (Great Ocean Road Coastal Committee) who manage trail maintenance and facilities en route, to Parks Victoria.

  • Fully signposted course

  • Medical and emergency support (Endurance Medical Services)

  • Professional timing and results (Tomato Timing)

  • Live tracking for 100km competitors

  • A magnificent organised event on the Great Ocean Walk allowing to experience the natural beauty of one of the world’s most famous oceanside landscapes.

  • Cherished GOTU buckle if you finish the 100km solo, a medal if you finish the team or 45km events.

  • Aid stations along with sponsor product – Tailwind Nutrition

  • and of course bragging rights if you finish.

Is there a limit of runners on the course?

Yes, there is a limit overall across all categories of race of 250 on the 100km course and 150 on the 45km course.

Are there showers at the finish line?

No.

What happens at the finish line?

Hopefully you finish and achieve your wildest dreams! Aside from us hollering and hooting you across the finishline, and a hug (plus a medal or buckle), you get to ….rest. And get home to your accommodation.

Can I get official photos from the run?

YES! Follow this link to The Eventurers home page, navigate to this event and enter your bib number. Photos should be uploaded on the Sunday / Monday post event. 

My family and friends are coming, are there spectator vantage points?

Yes there are some spectator spots along this course. Check the map page for our major suggested or find your own! NO SPECTATORS or SUPPORT at Blanket Bay please.

Volunteers – my friend/family would like to help?

Yes please. There will be volunteer roles as course marshals, support at registration or TA’s - see our volunteer page for details.

Are there cut off times?

Yes. There is a 1am cut off at the finish. But if you are looking like missing that, you will be cut off earlier in all likelihood:

CP1 Blanket Bay > 9am (4 hours)

CP2 Aire River West > 1:30pm (8.5hrs)

CP3 Johanna Beach > 4pm (11hrs)

CP4 The Gables > 9pm (16 hours)

CP5 Princetown> 11pm (18 hours)

Finish Twelve Apostles > 1am (20 hours)

Can I cross the finish line with my team member?

Yes.

Can I go to the toilet on course?

Please use the toilets provided and/or located at the transition areas along the course. There are also numerous public toilets located along the Surf Coast Walk, which we encourage you to use to spread the, ahem, load. Please DO NOT go to the toilet in the bush.

Is there any reason the event might be cancelled?

  • The event will take place on Saturday 21 October 2023 in all weather conditions UNLESS it is considered unsafe in extreme weather conditions. The event organiser will notify all participants if the event is considered unsafe and endeavour to reschedule the event to another date – at this stage that being the weekend after . All participants entry will be credited towards the new date of the event. Unfortunately full refunds can not be made in the event of a cancellation / rescheduling.

  • In the unlikely situation of the event having to be cancelled outright, the event organiser will endeavor to refund a percentage of your entry fee after all the event costs have been accounted for.

  • The event organiser has the right to change any of the course or time schedule due to weather conditions.

  • Any changes to the schedule or format of the event will be updated on the event website, Facebook and emailed to registered participants.

Does God exist?

We (still) have no idea, but if he/she/it does, we reckon he/she/it will be found running trails somewhere in the Otways - it is after all, God’s Country.

Should I train?

Ummm yes…. It has been scientifically proven to assist in the completion of an ultra. Having said that, there was this one time that we didn’t train at all…oh, actually, no that really, really hurt. Train fool.