42.2km marathon

Leongatha (Out and Back)

South Gippsland Region, Victoria 
Race Start: 8:30am
Start Location: Leongatha
Distance: 42.2km
Elevation Gain: +390m, -356m
Grade: +5.0% -4.4%
Course: Great Southern Rail Trail
Cut off: 2:30pm
(6 Hours)

Race Finish: Leongatha
Event Central: Leongatha

IMPORTANT UPDATE

 We’re reaching out with an important update regarding the 42km race.

The start location for the 42km event has been changed to the Leongatha Rail Trail Precinct. Making the 42km an out-and-back course.  (click here for directions)

Please ensure you arrive at the new start location with ample time on event day. See the website for the updated maps. Stay tuned for your competitor information email, which will be emailed to you in the near future.

We appreciate your understanding and flexibility, and we’re looking forward to an incredible race day with you.

If you have purchased a bus transfer ticket, you will receive a refund for the bus purchase shortly.

Course Description

The Marathon trail run along the Great SouthernThe Leongatha Marathon is an out-and-back course that starts in Leongatha and follows country roads out past Stony Creek before returning to the town. Runners pass through farmland and open spaces, with a mix of flat sections and steady inclines. The route offers a quiet and steady run through rural South Gippsland, finishing where it began in Leongatha.

Course Map: 42.2km

Leongatha Rail Trail precinct (past Stony Creek and back)

Use the SEND TO DEVICE/ SAVE/ SEND TO DEVICE option (below) for Wahoo, Garmin, Strava and other devices

42.2km Marathon Rail Run….What you need to know!

Please read through the FAQ’s below.

START LOCATION & Cut-off times

LEONGATHA 

  • Parking available at Leongatha
  • Start location: Leongatha
  • 2.30pm ( 6 Hrs)
    • 25.8KM – station G ( 3hrs 40 mins)
EVENT DAY
  • Collection of your Registration pack is compulsory for all individuals.
    – These can be collected from the Registration Marquee.
  • Please check the Event Schedule for registration  opening times.
  • Please bring Personal ID, this is very important for registration!
  • Race Number / Bib Must be worn on front of your clothing, clearly visible.
AGE CATEGORIES
  • 18-24, 25-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+ (Male & Female)
  • Age as of race day
ON COURSE AID STATIONS
  • Aid stations will be on the course with water & energy (please check map for aid station locations)
  • Other energy bars or snacks (provided by you)
Aid station  – Gwyther Rd
Aid station  – Koonawarra Rail trail car park
Aid station  – Koonawarra
Aid station  – Meniyan Community Garden
Aid station  – Stony Creek 
Aid station  – Meniyan Community Garden
Aid station  – Koonawarra
Aid station  – Koonawarra Rail trail car park
Aid station  – Gwyther Rd
Aid station  – Simons Rd
SELF SUFFICIENCY

There are 10 Aid stations on course , you are recommended to be self-sufficient with any extra nutrition required. 

OTHER ESSENTIAL ITEMS
  • Waste Containment Bag/Pouch
  • Ziplock Bag (for your personal rubbish)
STONGLY RECOMMENDED

WEATHER DEPENDENT EXTRAS:
• Waterproof overpants
• Gloves
A call will be made on these items on the afternoon prior to the race, depending on the forecast.

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED:
• Sunscreen and hat (there is zero shelter from the sun on the whole course, and it is very easy to get
burnt in the rarified air)
• Chafe cream / blister bandages
• More substantial first aid kit
• Spare socks
• Spare headlight batteries

MOBILE PHONE
We recommend that you carry a fully charged mobile phone, in case of emergency. There are many areas of the course where signal is available. We recommend that you download the ‘EMERGENCY+’ app on your phone, which can provide exact coordinates of where you are for emergency services.
(please check mobile coverage prior to race day)

MANDATORY GEAR

Please read through the FAQ’s below, and ensure you have ALL THE MANDATORY GEAR of the following on your person at all times.
We will be carrying out bag checks to ensure you have the items listed and you will not be allowed on the course without these.

MANDATORY ITEMS
100KM
72KM
42KM
Minimum 2L capacity for carrying water/hydration.
Yes (Min 2L)
Teams (Min 1L each)
Yes (Min 1L)
Teams (Min 1L each)
Yes (Min 1L)
Rain Jacket: Waterproof with sealed/taped seams.Needs to be waterproof, not water RESISTANT
Yes
Yes *
Yes *
Space Blanket
Yes
Yes
No
Whistle
Yes
Yes
No
Emergency Light / Headlamp (not your mobile phone)
Yes
No
No
Spare Light (Torch) / Battery for Headlamp
Yes
No
No
Buff or Beanie
Yes
Yes *
Yes *
Waste Containment Bag/Pouch
Yes
Yes
No
Long Sleeve Thermal Top: Polypropylene wool/merino wool - not compression
Yes
Yes
No
Compression Bandage: Heavy weight crepe bandages, not loose crepe, the thin white bandages are not accepted. Min dimensions: 7.5cm wide x 2.3m long unstretched
Yes
Yes
No
Emergency Snack / Food Portion (x 2) Bring your own hydration & nutrition you have trained with that you may need on course - must be above and beyond your race nutrition requirements.
Yes
Yes
No
Mobile Phone: Must be in working order with fully charged battery and operational SIM card
Yes
Yes
No
High-Visibility Safety Vest *: Must comply with Australian Standard AS/NZS 4602:1999 or AS/NZS 4602:2010 or AS/NZS 4602:2011 as well as Class D/N for day and night-time wear. *Must be worn at the start, until sunrise and at dusk, or if directed by event staff/volunteers. **Vest must be worn as the outermost layer and over the top of your running pack, with your race number visible and on your front and over your vest.
Yes
No
No
Full-Fingered Lightweight Thermal Gloves: Polypropylene wool/merino wool
Yes
No
No
Ziplock Bag (for your personal rubbish)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Race Number / Bib: Must be worn on front of your clothing, clearly visible
Yes
Yes
Yes

Those items marked with a * in the table above are dependent upon weather ruling from the race organisers made the day before the specific race.

Event Schedule

PLEASE NOTE: There is NO On the Day registration for the 100km, 72km, 42,2km & 21.1km.
You must register before the 30.5.2025

Bib collection available at race start (Leongatha)

ALL DISTANCES will have a rolling presentation

FRIDAY 30TH, 2025

OPEN
CLOSE
EVENT
LOCATION
3:00pm
5:00pm
Trail Run all distances Rego opens
Leongatha rail trail precinct

SATURDAY 31ST, 2025

EVENT
OPEN
LOCATION
EVENT HUB OPENS
4:30am
Leongatha rail trail precinct
Event briefing - 42km
8:20am
Start Line - Leongatha
RACE START - 42KM RUN
8:30am
Start Line - Leongatha

SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

Event Pricing: Individuals

What you get: EVENT HOODIE, FINISHER MEDALS & RECOVERY NUTRITION + MORE!

Merchandise cut-off 2.5.2025

DEC 16 - FEB 7
FEB 8 - MAY 2
MAY 3 - MAY 30
ON THE DAY
Race Day Insurance
$142.00
$162.00
$172.00
$192.00
$5

What you get!

Merchandise cut-off for ALL EVENTS is the 2.5.2025

EVENT HOODIE
FINISHER MEDAL
Plus

  • Access to aid stations/ Refill Water Points located around the course
  • Professional medical support on course
  • Professional electronic timing and results
  • Event photographer along the course to capture your finest moments
  • Opportunity to win a random prizes at the presentations after the race
  • Valuable draw prizes
  • Event central expo
  • Sponsors products
  • Beautiful race venue
  • Timing chip and results on event day
  • Safe and professionally managed event
  • Incredible support from local sport and charity groups – who receive a portion of proceeds from the event
  • Aid stations on the run courses (42, 21, 10 & 5km) with water and energy drink
  • Post-event snacks, recovery & nutrition
  • Bragging rights and annual stories tell