There’s something special about running in the hills. The kind of special that starts before you even lace up your shoes – when you step out of the car and the crisp air hits your lungs, and the towering gums stretch above you.
That’s Belair…
Held in one of Australia’s oldest national parks, the Belair Marathon is a celebration of what makes trail running different. It’s not just the course, although with over 1500m of elevation and technical trails, it’s certainly no walk in the park – it’s the experience. The people. The challenge. The triumphs that aren’t always measured by a finish time.
From the moment runners gather at Karka Pavilion, there’s a quiet energy in the air – the kind that only comes from a group of people about to do something big. Some are here for their first 5km, others to conquer the full 50. But the connection is instant. Trail runners get it. They know what it means to commit to the climb and to show up, not just physically, but mentally.
And the climbs are real. Belair doesn’t shy away from terrain that asks something of you. The rolling ridgelines, steep fire trails, and narrow single tracks reward those who stay present, stay patient, and keep putting one foot in front of the other. But for every uphill grind, there’s a breathtaking view, a cooling descent, or a silent moment alone with the landscape that reminds you why you chose trails in the first place.
What surprises many first-timers (and keeps people coming back) is the atmosphere. There’s something about this event that turns strangers into supporters and competition into community. It’s not unusual to see runners encouraging one another mid-race, volunteers calling out names with genuine excitement, or families cheering in runners they’ve never met. That kind of support isn’t built overnight. It comes from a culture created over years, by people who believe in something more than medals.
For many, Belair is personal. It’s the race where they stepped up to a new distance, or ran with their kids, or finally tackled that marathon they’d been talking about for years. It’s where they found a group to train with, or discovered they’re stronger than they thought.
You’ll hear stories at the finish line that stick with you longer than the lactic acid.
One past runner described it as “a huge family adventure surrounded by an amazing group of lovely people.” And it’s true, it’s as much about connection as it is about kilometres.
And of course, the setting matters. Belair National Park is a gem – ancient trees, wide open spaces, and pockets of bushland that make you forget how close you are to the city. You’ll pass historic pavilions, native wildlife, and views that stretch far beyond the trails. It’s the kind of course that keeps you looking up, even when your legs are telling you to look down.
The event caters to all levels, with distances from 5km to 50km. Whether you’re testing the waters or diving into the deep end, there’s a challenge with your name on it. And no matter what distance you choose, the sense of achievement crossing that finish line is exactly the same.
As trail runners know, the most memorable moments are rarely the easiest. They’re the ones that ask for grit, focus, and heart – all of which you’ll find on the Belair course.
Because Belair Marathon isn’t just another race. It’s the one you’ll talk about long after the dust settles.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE BELAIR MARATHON
Distances: 5km to 50km Ultra
Date: Sunday 1 March, 2026
Location: Belair National Park SA
REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW OPEN
If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to try something bigger, bolder, or simply more meaningful, this is it. It’s a chance to show up for yourself, to run through history, and to be part of something that lingers long after the finish line. The trails are ready. The community is waiting. And your story at Belair is just getting started.
Visit www.ultraseries.com.au for more information and registration.
Loved this? Grab the Trail Run Magazine for even more trail news, reviews and feature articles. Subscribe now.
