Run Forrest Half Marathon Trail Run 2026

Run Forrest is a winter trail-running event based in the small hinterland township of Forrest, Victoria, with the race hub at Barwon Water Reserve on Hennigan Crescent. The main distances are 21 km, 10 km, and 6 km, with a kids race as well, so the day ranges from a half-marathon trail effort to a short beginner-friendly run. The setting is the Otway Ranges, about two hours from Melbourne's CBD, and the event is organised by Southern Exposure. The course runs under the Otway canopy on terrain that shifts between forest trails and riverside paths. Runners deal with undulating hills, native forest sections, flowing rivers, and dense fern gullies, so it is more of a proper trail outing than a flat road-style race. The longer distances are rated moderate to challenging, while the 6 km option gives newer trail runners a way into the event. The race has more than a dozen annual editions behind it, and its winter identity is part of the appeal: the organisers describe Forrest as a winter wonderland and frame the run as a misty, cold-season trail adventure among the ferns and trees.