Australia’s Most Scenic Marathon Route: Runners Embrace Beaches and Tropical Rainforests

Reporter Chen Hanyin / Comprehensive Report

Taiwanese people are obsessed with running events — in 2015 alone, there were over 700 races across Taiwan. Runners not only take on courses all over the island but are also increasingly eager to try overseas marathons. This year, Tourism Victoria (Australia) specially participated in the Taipei Marathon Sports Expo to encourage Taiwanese runners to experience a completely different racing atmosphere in Melbourne.

▲ The Great Ocean Road is hailed as Australia’s most beautiful marathon route (Photo / Provided by Tourism Victoria, Australia; all others below are the same).

Li Wei, Greater China Director of Tourism Victoria, said that Melbourne, known as the "Sporting Capital," offers the stunning Great Ocean Road Marathon. With categories ranging from a 1.5 km kids’ race to an ultra-marathon of 60 km, it suits families, children, and runners of all levels. Participants can enjoy the winding, breathtaking coastal scenery while running, as well as explore the beauty of Melbourne city.

▲ Marathon runners from around the world gather here.

The Great Ocean Road is a coastal highway that took about 14 years to build. Stretching 276 km from its starting point in Torquay to the endpoint in Allansford, the route lets you leisurely embrace sandy beaches, marvel at towering rock formations, pass through national parks with tropical rainforests, and then turn a corner to discover charming small towns. It is acclaimed as one of Australia’s most beautiful and spectacular marathon routes. Every year in mid-to-late May, runners from all over the world are drawn to race from Lorne to Apollo Bay, enjoying the spectacular coastal views along the way.

▲ The winding route feels like running along the sea.

2016 Taipei Marathon Sports Expo

Dates: December 15 (Thursday) to 16 (Friday), 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM; December 17 (Saturday), 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Venue: Taipei World Trade Center Hall 3 (No. 6, Songshou Rd., Taipei City)

2017 Great Ocean Road Marathon (2017 Great Ocean Road Running Festival)

* Categories: 1.5Km, 6Km, 14Km

Date: May 20, 2017
Start Times: 1.5Km at 10:30 AM, 6Km at 11:30 AM, 14Km at 1:00 PM
Starting Point: Apollo Bay
Finish Point: Apollo Bay

* Categories: Half Marathon (23Km), Full Marathon (44Km), Ultra Marathon (60Km)

Date: May 21, 2017
Start Time: 8:00 AM
Starting Points: Half Marathon at Kennett River Holiday Park; Full Marathon & Ultra Marathon at Lorne SLSC Car Park, Mount Joy Parade, Lorne
Finish Point: Apollo Bay
Time Limit: 6 hours and 30 minutes to complete the race