Wilsons Prom Running Festival

About the Event

The Wilsons Prom Running Festival 2026 is a premier wilderness trail event held within the iconic Wilsons Promontory National Park. Scheduled for Saturday, May 2, and Sunday, May 3, 2026, the festival invites runners to traverse one of Australia's most protected coastal landscapes. Centered at the Australian Commando Memorial in Tidal River, the event offers a raw "off-road" experience characterized by crashing waves, sandy shores, and challenging terrain. As a wilderness paradise located approximately three hours from Melbourne, it serves as a destination race for those seeking to test their endurance against the elements of the Southern Ocean coastline.

Race Categories and Technical Data

The festival caters to a broad spectrum of trail runners, from elite ultramarathoners to young children. Registration follows a tiered pricing structure, with "Standard" entry currently active until mid-April.

Distance	Min. Age	Event Village	Experience Level
100km Ultra	18 Years	Tidal River	Extreme Endurance
50km Ultra	18 Years	Tidal River	Advanced Trail
27km Trail	16 Years	Tidal River	Intermediate
15km / 5km	12 / 5 Years	Tidal River	Recreational
Kids Race	None	Tidal River	Family Fun

Regional and Demographic Overview

Wilsons Promontory (locally known as "The Prom") is located in the South Gippsland Shire of Victoria. While the park itself is a protected wilderness with a small seasonal population of rangers and tourists at Tidal River, the surrounding South Gippsland region has a population of approximately 30,500 residents. According to the most recent 2021 Census data, the demographic is predominantly of English and Australian ancestry (approx. 82%). The population includes approximately 1.6% who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. The largest overseas-born groups in the region include residents from England (3.3%), New Zealand (1.2%), and the Netherlands (0.8%). The median weekly household income for the region is approximately A$1,320.

The local culture is deeply rooted in environmental conservation and outdoor recreation. For many Victorians, The Prom is a spiritual home for hiking and camping, with a culture that prioritizes "leaving no trace." The residents of South Gippsland are known for their resilience and connection to the land, maintaining a lifestyle that balances traditional dairy farming with a burgeoning eco-tourism sector. This event reflects the "SingleTrack" philosophy—a culture of trail runners who value solitude, physical grit, and a deep respect for the unpredictable coastal weather. The community atmosphere at Tidal River during the festival is one of shared hardship and triumph, where the ruggedness of the granite peaks is matched by the camaraderie of the participants.

Participant Experience

Runners in the longer distances (27km to 100km) will experience the full diversity of the Prom’s ecosystem, from lush rainforest gullies to exposed granite headlands. The Australian Commando Memorial serves as a poignant backdrop for the Event Village, reflecting the area's history as a commando training ground during WWII. Logistics are a key part of the experience, as the 3-hour drive from Melbourne means most participants camp or stay locally. With standard entries closing in mid-April, athletes are encouraged to prepare for variable conditions, including potential water crossings and technical single-track sections that define this wilderness challenge.

Races Offered

100km

May 03, 2026

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Distance — 100km

terrain

Type — Running

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10:00

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$200.00

15km

May 03, 2026

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Distance — 15km

terrain

Type — Running

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10:00

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$80.00

27km

May 03, 2026

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Distance — 27km

terrain

Type — Running

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10:00

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$112.00

50km

May 03, 2026

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Distance — 50km

terrain

Type — Running

timer

10:00

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$152.00

5km

May 03, 2026

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Distance — 5km

terrain

Type — Running

timer

10:00

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$32.00

Kids Race

May 03, 2026

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Distance — 2km

terrain

Type — Running

timer

10:00

sell

$10.00

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Tidal River.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 10.8° / 15.8°

wb_sunny 7.3° / 12.6°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 16.0 /

water_drop 77.4%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 10.8° / 15.8°

wb_sunny 7.3° / 12.6°

air 16.0 km/h

water_drop 77.4%

About Tidal River

Learn more about the host city, Tidal River.

Tidal River is a locality in Wilsons Promontory National Park, Wilsons Promontory, Victoria, Australia. It contains the main park administration and service centres as well as a permanent camping ground that takes its name from the Tidal River, which flows past the camping ground to the north.