The You Yangs rise straight out of the volcanic plains between Melbourne and Geelong, a run of ancient granite peaks topped by Flinders Peak. For generations they’ve drawn walkers, climbers and adventurers, and today they’re one of Victoria’s most distinctive places to run.
The You Yangs are known for their granite underfoot: flowing single track and open eucalypt woodland, broken up by rock features, natural staircases, steady climbs and fast descents. From the tops, the views run across Port Phillip Bay, Melbourne, Geelong and the plains beyond, and kangaroos and wedge-tailed eagles are regular company on the trails.
From the 5km to the 100 Mile, every course is built to show off a different side of the park. The shorter distances take in the excitement of technical trail running, while the longer events push deeper into the You Yangs, and the terrain rewards newcomers and seasoned runners alike.
For almost two decades the You Yangs trail run has welcomed thousands of runners from across Australia. The landscape sets the challenge, but it’s the Trailsplus community, its volunteers and fellow runners, that keeps people coming back year after year. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, running your first trail event or working toward an ultra, the You Yangs offer far more than a finish line.
For many runners, the half marathon is where confidence grows. Every climb conquered and every kilometre completed is another step in your own trail running journey.
The trail marathon is an achievement few forget. Every ascent, descent and finish line becomes part of a story earned through commitment, resilience and adventure.
Whether this is your very first trail event or you’re chasing a fast run through beautiful trails, the 5km offers a rewarding challenge for runners of all experience levels.
A step up in distance on the same granite trails, long enough to test your rhythm, short enough to stay fast and fun.
The 30km rewards patience, smart pacing and determination. It’s a distance that encourages runners to discover they’re capable of more than they imagined.
The 50km is where preparation meets possibility. Reaching the finish is more than completing an ultramarathon, it’s discovering just how far determination can take you.
The ultimate You Yangs challenge. Back-to-back laps of the granite peaks, day into night, where every runner writes their own story of endurance.
The ultimate You Yangs challenge. Back-to-back laps of the granite peaks, day into night, where every runner writes their own story of endurance.
A varied course that loops across You Yangs Regional Park, with wide views over the western volcanic plains from Geelong to Melbourne and out toward Port Phillip Bay.
Runners will experience:
From the 5km trail run through to the 100 Mile ultra, every distance shares the same granite underfoot and the same sense of adventure.
| Distance | Check-in | Briefing | Race Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100km / 100 Mile Ultra | 6:45am | 7:45am | 8:00am |
| 42km Trail Marathon | 7:45am | 8:45am | 9:00am |
| 21km Half Marathon Trail Challenge | 8:45am | 9:45am | 10:00am |
| Distance | Check-in | Briefing | Race Start |
| 50km Ultra Trail Challenge | 7:00am | 7:45am | 8:00am |
| 30km Endurance Trail Adventure | 8:00am | 8:45am | 9:00am |
| 15km Trail Running Challenge | 9:00am | 9:45am | 10:00am |
| 5km First Trail Adventure | 10:00am | 10:45am | 11:00am |
You Yangs Regional Park
10 Branch Road
Little River VIC
You Yangs Regional Park sits near Little River, an easy drive from both Melbourne and Geelong. The granite peaks rise straight out of the surrounding volcanic plains and have been a landmark on Wadawurrung Country for thousands of years. The highest of them, Flinders Peak, is named after explorer Matthew Flinders, who climbed it in 1802. Today the You Yangs are one of Victoria’s most recognised trail running destinations.
Download the official You Yangs trail map for every distance, from the 5km to the 100 Mile. Each You Yangs map shows the full course, elevation and key landmarks across You Yangs Regional Park.
The You Yangs Trail Running Festival is the second event in the Trailsplus Mountain Series, five trail running events across some of Victoria’s most distinctive mountain destinations. Each has its own history, terrain and character, from the granite peaks of the You Yangs to the rainforest of the Otways and the volcanic forests of Mt Macedon. Run one, or take on the whole series and build your experience across a season of very different adventures.
Trailsplus has now surpassed donations of $90,000 to Canteen Victoria. Massive thanks to our runners, volunteers and supporters.
As a thank you, volunteers can earn race entry credits to use towards a future Trailsplus event. After volunteering, simply contact us when you’re ready to enter your next race and we’ll provide a discount code for your entry.
