🗺️ COURSE INFORMATION
Barwon Heads Running Festival 2027

🏃‍♂️ Overall Course Overview

The Barwon Heads Running Festival course is set along the stunning Thirteenth Beach Road, with all distances following an out-and-back format.

This design provides:

  • A simple, easy-to-follow course
  • Clear turnaround points
  • Excellent spectator viewing opportunities
  • A safe and well-supported race environment


The course features wide road sections, coastal scenery, and flat stretches ideal for maintaining rhythm and chasing personal best times.

All events start and finish at the Barwon Heads event precinct, where you’ll find:

  • Start Line & Finish Line
  • Registration & Race Information
  • Toilets
  • Aid Stations
  • Post-race recovery area


The out-and-back layout means runners will pass fellow competitors along the way — creating a strong race atmosphere and plenty of encouragement on course.

📏 Distance Breakdown


🟢 1km Kids Race

The 1km course is a short out-and-back section close to the event precinct, providing:

  • A safe and supervised environment
  • Clear turnaround point
  • Maximum visibility for parents and spectators (Parents can run with children. No extra entry fee required
  • The route stays close to the Start/Finish area, making it ideal for younger runners and first-time participants.


🔵 5km

The 5km course heads out along Thirteenth Beach Road before reaching the clearly marked 5km turnaround point.

Runners then return along the same route back to the Finish Line.

  • This course offers:
  • Flat, fast sections
  • Coastal surroundings
  • A welcoming course for beginners and experienced runners alike
  • Aid station access is available near the event precinct.


🟡 10km

The 10km course extends further along Thirteenth Beach Road to the designated 10km turnaround point.

The out-and-back design allows runners to:

  • Settle into pace early
  • Use the return leg to negative split
  • Stay connected with other competitors
  • The 10km provides a perfect balance of challenge and speed, making it ideal for runners stepping up from 5km or sharpening race fitness.


🔴 21.1km Half Marathon

The Half Marathon follows the stunning coastal corridor along Thirteenth Beach Road, delivering a scenic and fast course through one of Victoria’s most beautiful seaside regions.

The Half Marathon course has several changes of direction around the Blackrock Road / Thirteenth Beach Road intersection.

When you reach this intersection, Half Marathon participants must turn left into Blackrock Road and continue towards the beach car park.
You will then:
• Complete the first turnaround within the beach car park area.
• Return to the Blackrock Road / Thirteenth Beach Road intersection and turn left onto the shared bike path running alongside Thirteenth Beach Road.
• Continue along the bike path until reaching the second turnaround point located just before Breamlea Road.
• Return to the Blackrock Road / Thirteenth Beach Road intersection and turn left into Blackrock Road.
• Continue along Blackrock Road to the final turnaround point at the Blackrock Road / Bluestone School Road intersection.
• Complete the turnaround and then head back along Blackrock Road to the Blackrock Road / Thirteenth Beach Road intersection.
• Turn left and follow Thirteenth Beach Road back towards Barwon Heads and the finish line.

The Half Marathon course includes three separate turnaround points, all of which must be completed to ensure you cover the full Half Marathon distance and receive an official result.


This course is designed to be:

  • Fast and PB-friendly
  • Well-supported with aid stations
  • Mentally straightforward, thanks to its structured out-and-back format


The return leg provides strong motivation as runners pass fellow competitors and build momentum heading back into the electric finish-line atmosphere.

💧 Aid Stations & Support

Aid stations are positioned in line with race distance requirements, ensuring runners are well-supported throughout the event.

​⏱️ Timing Mats

Timing mats will be positioned at key locations and turnaround points throughout the course to verify that all participants complete the correct route and distance.

Any participant who misses a required turnaround point or does not cross the designated timing checkpoints may receive a DNF (Did Not Finish) and may be excluded from the official results.

⚠️ Athlete Responsibility

It is the responsibility of each participant to follow the designated course and complete all required turnaround points.

While the course will be clearly marked with signage, cones and marshals, athletes are responsible for ensuring they complete the correct course.

Failure to complete the full course may result in a DNF (Did Not Finish).