Frequently Asked Questions

Saturday 21 August 2027 in Perth's Avon Valley, Western Australia. The opening ceremony and race briefing are on Friday 20 August at Midland Junction Arts Centre.

Tuesday 17 November 2026. Join our email list for first access and we'll let you know the moment they open.

Pick by distance and climbing: 65km (+2743m), 40km (+1612m), 28km (+988m), 12km (+460m), 6km (+230m), or the Kids' Dash for ages 3 to 10. The 40km and shorter can be hiked or run, and the 6km can be done in an adaptive wheelchair. The 65km is built for runners. The 12km and 28km suit first-timers.

Yes, from the 40km down. Hiking the full 65km inside the cut-offs is a serious challenge, so most hikers choose the 40km or shorter. All courses close at 8:00pm, and aid station cut-offs are listed on each event page.

The 65km starts in Walyunga National Park and runs point to point through the Avon Valley. Every distance finishes at Cobbler Pool, Morangup. Buses run from Midland to the starts on race morning and from the finish back to Perth.

The 28km, 40km and 65km have mandatory kit, including a charged phone, first aid kit, jacket and 750ml of water. A head lamp with spare batteries and a high-vis vest are mandatory if you reach Aid 3 after 12:00pm, and recommended for anyone at risk of encountering the night. You will not be allowed to continue in the dark without them. The full list is on the Mandatory Equipment page. The 6km and Kids' Dash have no mandatory kit, and 12km entrants need a head torch on their second lap if they could finish after dark.

Not all of it. About half of the 65km course is on private land that is only open on race day. Please stick to public trails when you train.

Yes. The 65km relay takes teams of 2 to 5 runners, and the 40km also has a team relay.

Yes. There is prize money for the leading runners, and race day is broadcast live. See the Event Prizes page for details.

Every entrant must pick up 5 pieces of rubbish before race day, is encouraged (but not required) to fundraise for the Australian Wildlife Conservancy and plants a native tree at the finish instead of getting a medal. In 2026 participants raised more than $7.9K for AWC.

Yes. 121 volunteers made 2026 happen. Choose a station or role on the Volunteer page and sign up for 2027.