Great Ocean Road Running Festival promises to be more sustainable in 2023

February 24, 2023

Australia's most serene running event - the Great Ocean Road Running Festival - is returning from 20th-21st May 2023 and having joined forces this year with RACV Solar, one of Australia's leading solar installers, the event is anticipated to be one of the most sustainable in its 18-year history.

Elements of the festival will be powered by solar energy, elevating the festival's existing environmental roadmap produced in collaboration with local waste management groups.

Thousands of runners and walkers of all ages and experience levels will gather at Victoria's idyllic south-west coast to take part in one of the most unique and special running events in the country.

From 1.5km to 60km, punters from across the globe will tackle nine distances, including two trail runs for our adventure-seekers, and soak up panoramic seaside views on one of the world’s most scenic stretches of road.

Event Director Brad King is thrilled to see one of Australia’s favourite running events take a huge step forward in its commitment to celebrate and protect the local environment and give back to the Great Ocean Road community via the new partnership.

King notes “The RACV Solar Great Ocean Road Running Festival is one of the most unique and special running events in the country. For almost two decades, hundreds of thousands of people have travelled from around the world to take part in the festival and experience some of Victoria’s greatest natural wonders. This year, we are incredibly proud to partner with RACV Solar and amplify our commitment to protect cherished local landscapes and communities by implementing cleaner energy solutions. We’re looking forward to welcoming thousands of new and familiar faces to the running event of the season this May and leading the way for more sustainable sporting experiences in future.”

Andy McCarthy, Chief Executive RACV Solar, said the new partnership speaks to the commitment of both organisations to create a cleaner energy future.

McCarthy adds “RACV Solar is thrilled to be partnering with the Great Ocean Road Running Festival in 2023. This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to supporting local communities and it’s an exciting way to continue our investment in the South-West region, which RACV has been a part of for over 100 years. We look forward to growing the uptake of cleaner energy along the beautiful Surf Coast and helping power the event with solar.”

Kicking off in Apollo Bay on Saturday, eager athletes can take part in the Cocobella 14km Paradise Run, Sri Lankan Airlines 6km Run and 1.5km Great Ocean Road Real Estate Holiday Kids Gallop. Distances on Sunday include the Ultra Marathon (60km), RACV Solar Marathon (44km), 12km & 6.5km Trail Runs and the 5-10km Great Ocean Road Walk, commencing in Lorne. Those taking part in the Brooks Half Marathon (23km) will get their start from Kennett River on Sunday.

Alongside an inspirational two-days of running, festival goers will be able to lap up dulcet tones from local musicians, immerse themselves in a ticketed ‘glamping’ experience, and witness local wait staff battle it out in the hilarious Pub to Pub Waiter’s Race on Saturday. Whether participants are running their first marathon, warming up with a CorePlus beach yoga session, or get creative at the Kite Festival post-race – the RACV Solar Great Ocean Road Running Festival has it all.

Support from the Victorian Government’s Regional Events Fund has seen the Festival expand year-on-year and become a favourite on the state’s annual event calendar attracting thousands of visitors to the Great Ocean Road region. The event continues to drive strong economic support for local accommodation, hospitality and retail businesses in the region.

Providing vital care for communities located along the race route, the event encourages participants to raise funds for the Apollo Bay and District Health Foundation. Since becoming the festival’s official charity partner in 2015, more than a quarter of a million dollars has been raised by entrants to support important local health services.

Registrations for the 2023 event are now open via greatoceanroadrunfest.com.au/

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