Trail running meets Australian culture in the brand new Ultra Series event, The Barodorf.
This unique event links the famed Barossa Valley with the historic hills of Hahndorf. It’s a wild journey through South Australia’s iconic landscapes, featuring a rotating direction, legendary trophies, and a commitment to a challenge that captures the region’s spirit.
The ambitious route instantly establishes the event as one of Australia’s must-do trail experiences. The course is an epic tapestry, tackling the demanding and diverse terrain of the Adelaide Hills, winding through pine forests, farm fields, bushland, national parks, vineyards, and villages. It traverses protected areas including Kaiserstuhl Conservation Park, Mt Crawford, Warren Conservation Park, and Montacute Conservation Park, often utilising lesser-known sections of the famous Heysen Trail.
The Barodorf distinguishes itself through its alternating direction – in even years, runners navigate Barossa-to-Hahndorf, conquering the hills toward the historic finish. In odd years, the course is reversed, offering a different elevation profile and unique finish line atmosphere. This yearly rotation guarantees that the challenge feels fresh, demanding new strategic planning from even the most seasoned participants.
THE BIG ONE 120K
This is the event that defines the Barodorf challenge as the full Barossa/Hahndorf experience, with a wild, winding journey across the Adelaide Hills trail network. The formidable elevation profile of over 3,700m of vert is undeniably challenging, but the constant reward comes from the spectacular views from each summit, making every hard-won climb worthwhile.
As a serious commitment to endurance, this 120K holds the unique distinction of being part of the new Vines, Brews & Views Thrillogy. Runners completing this massive distance are aiming for bragging rights that are as rich and deep as the Barossa’s finest shiraz.
THE ICONIC 50 MILER
The 50 Miler is the perfect intermediate distance, offering a true ultra test without the 120K commitment. For the 2026 event, runners will start at the Mt Crawford Visitor’s Centre and immediately join the legendary Heysen Trail.
From there, the course heads south, tracing seldom-used trails and ascending the impressive gradients toward Mt Lofty before the final push to the Hahndorf finish line. This route takes in so many areas that few events go through, promising stunning, rarely seen scenery at every turn. Expect a challenging elevation profile – with more than 2,700m of ascent and almost 2900m of descent, this is a serious test of quad strength and endurance.
THE ROLLERCOASTER 55K
The 55K event offers a condensed but still intensely challenging ultra experience, throwing a relentless rollercoaster of climbs and descents. This is all centred around an incredible start line with the beautiful people based at Grew Cafe Cudlee Creek.
This distance is where the serious climbing begins, getting into some gnarly elevation with more gain than drop. The 55K packs a serious punch, featuring almost 1900 metres of ascent and more than 1800m of descent, offering a true ultra challenge that demands strategic effort.
THE SHORTER JOURNEYS
The Barodorf is built on the philosophy that every trail runner, regardless of distance, deserves an iconic experience. The shorter events provide a perfect taste of the Barossa-Hahndorf odyssey and an opportunity for runners to build confidence before leveling up to the ultras.
CELLAR DOOR CRUISER 37K
A sweet-sounding name that hides some sting. This distance features big climbs and fast downhills, demanding focus and power from start to finish. With more than 1000m of vert, the 37K provides a significant test of trail strength before rewarding finishers with a hero’s welcome in the historic finishing town.
GRAVITY POWERED 16K
Perfect for the beginner or those seeking a fast, fun day out. This event offers a downhill delight from Mt Lofty Summit through Bridgewater to Hahndorf in 2026. At only 16K, runners might blink and miss it, but their legs certainly won’t, especially when managing more than 260m of ascent versus the 640-ish metres of descent – it’s gravity-powered joy!
GLOBAL RECOGNITION
The Barodorf is committed to providing a world-class standard of event organisation and measurement. The 120K, 50 Miler, and 55K will all be officially ITRA and UTMB listed events.
THE THRILLOGY CHALLENGE
The Barodorf is proudly integrated into the new Vines, Brews & Views Thrillogy, uniting three of South Australia’s most compelling ultra distance events. This Thrillogy is designed for the ultimate endurance enthusiast who wishes to conquer the most diverse and scenic ultra challenges the state has to offer. Completing the trifecta – The Barodorf 120K, the Ultra Adelaide 100 Miler, and the Heysen Trail Ultra 115K – is a testament to comprehensive trail mastery and unlocks significant recognition within the trail running community.
THE UNIQUE TROPHIES
The Barodorf celebrates its two distinct finishing locations with unique, coveted trophies for all ultra distance winners (120K, 50 Miler, and 55K). This concept captures the unique essence of the event’s identity:
Runners who cross the finish line in the heart of the historic township of Hahndorf are rewarded with a traditional Stein Trophy, nodding to the region’s strong German brewing and cultural heritage. When the course direction reverses, ultra distance winners finishing in the Barossa Valley receive a prestigious Wine Glass Trophy, recognising the region’s global standing in viticulture and wine country beauty.
This commitment to themed, rotating rewards adds a layer of clever, quirky fun to the event and ensures that runners who return year after year are competing for a truly special memento.
The Barodorf is a geographical and cultural experience. It represents the perfect New Year’s Resolution for the runner seeking not just a finish line, but a truly iconic Australian adventure.
Find your challenge and commit at www.barodorf.com.au
NEW YEARS SPECIAL: USE PROMO CODE TRM15 to get 15% off any Ultra Series Event. But hurry offer ends February 28 2026.
