The idea of a fun run might seem like an oxymoron to some people. But anyone who’s ever run, walked or crawled their way over the finish line of a fitness challenge can tell you the atmosphere is electric.
Check out the best runs in Victoria according to an Olympic marathon runner.
Great Ocean Road, Lorne
Whether you do it on your own or as part of the Kieser Great Ocean Road Running Festival, this amazing run along one of the world’s best roads, from Lorne to Apollo Bay, is a must-do. With the forest on your right and the ocean on your left, you wind your way along this most magnificent road, traffic-free. While the bluffs and inlets make it challenging, the views and the environment that you are in make it all worth it and the final run into Apollo Bay with the crowd support is a moment to cherish for the rest of your life.
Staircase Spur, Mount Bogong
This is the only run I’ve ever done that is tougher than a marathon. It’s a walk, really, but also one of the toughest trails to run up if you dare. It starts at Mountain Creek Campground just outside Mount Beauty and you meander along beside the river for a few kilometres before turning right and basically heading straight up to the peak of the highest mountain in Victoria, Mount Bogong, at 1986 metres. It is an hour or two of switchbacks and the view as you climb above the tree line is spectacular. But beware, it’s like no run you’ll ever have attempted before until, after enjoying the views at the top, you cruise back down again. If I see you after you have completed this run, you will either want to punch me or hug me!
Two Bays Trail, Mornington Peninsula
I have only done parts of this trail, which is 28 kilometres one way from Cape Schanck to Dromana, but the parts I have done I really enjoyed. There is a race on it, but I preferred to do it in my own time as the remoteness allowed me to become embedded in the surrounds. It is a single track that undulates through the picturesque countryside until you get to Arthurs Seat, where you climb steeply to the top and then drop down into Dromana. It is certainly challenging in parts, but the scenery makes it well worth your while. Take fluids and snacks to keep you on top of your game.
