What's On: Upcoming Trail Running Events (12–28 June 2026)

If the past few weeks have taught us anything, it’s that trail runners have an impressive ability to find increasingly creative ways to spend their weekends. This fortnight, that means backyard ultras, mountain traverses, one of the fastest 50Ks in the Southern Hemisphere. Here’s what’s coming up across Australia and New Zealand.

Australia

Yandina Five ‘O’ Trail Run

Date: 13 June 2026
Location: Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Distances: 12km, 21km, 36km and 50km
Website: runqld.com.au

The Yandina Five ‘0’ Trail Run happens on the beautiful Sunshine Coast hinterland in Queensland and it’s developed a loyal following of Queensland trail runners over the years. Expect runnable trails, a stack of community spirit and a relaxed atmosphere that’s accessible for newer runners and still challenging to put seasoned trail runners through their paces.

Wildboar Trail Run

Date: 14 June 2026
Location: Balliang, Victoria
Distances: 10km, 21km, 42km and 50km
Website: trailsplus.com.au

Some races try to impress you with big promises. Wildboar simply hands you a race bib and points you towards the trails. Set in Victoria’s Brisbane Ranges National Park, the event delivers the sort of honest trail running Trailsplus has built its reputation on—singletrack, rolling terrain, time on your feet and the quiet satisfaction of getting the job done.

Kununurra Half Marathon

Date: 14 June 2026
Location: Kununurra, Western Australia
Website: knxrun.com.au

There aren’t many opportunities to race in Australia’s far north-west, which makes the Kununurra Half Marathon a little different. Choose to run a solo 21km or join a team of 2 or 4 other people. You’ll be surrounded by dramatic landscapes with a chance to experience running in a region known for its gorges, waterfalls and pure outdoorsy adventures.

Ultra Perth

Date: 20 June 2026
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Website: ultraperth.com.au

Trail runners spend a lot of time talking about vert, technical terrain and remote adventures. Ultra Perth goes in the opposite direction. Built around one of the fastest certified 50K courses in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s an event designed for runners who want to find a rhythm and see what happens when nothing gets in the way. No major climbs, technical trail or excuses. Just 50 kilometres of riverfront running past some of Perth’s most recognisable landmarks and a finish line with the city skyline as your reward.

Surf Coast Trail Marathon

Date: 20 June 2026
Location: Torquay, Victoria
Website: surfcoasttrailmarathon.com

One of Victoria’s best-known trail events, the Surf Coast Trail Marathon combines stunning but rugged coastline, flowing trails and ocean views. The scenery is outstanding, but don’t let that lull you into thinking it’s easy. The undulating terrain has a habit of catching runners out, especially when the coastal winds decide to join the party.

Kowen Winter Trails

Date: 21 June 2026
Location: Wamboin, New South Wales
Website: kowen-trail-run.com

Winter trail running is the star of the show at Kowen Winter Trails. Set among the forests and trails of the Kowen region near Canberra. Expect crisp conditions, flowing singletrack and even some vert depending on the distance you choose. All up, the kind of terrain that keeps trail runners coming back each year.

Winter Solstice Fun Run

Date: 21 June 2026
Location: Portland, Victoria
Website: portlandrunnersclub.com.au

The shortest day of the year is as good an excuse as any to get outside and run. The Winter Solstice Fun Run includes a 25km trail along the scenic the Great South West Walk all the way to the lighthouse. It’s a community event that’s more about participation and enjoyment than chasing results.

Lofty’s Revenge

Date: 27 June 2026
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Website: adelaidetrailrunners.com.au

The clue’s in the name. Lofty’s Revenge takes runners from the city to the summit of Mount Lofty, packing around 1,800 metres of climbing into its 50km flagship event. There are shorter options too, but no matter which distance you choose, expect plenty of elevation and a healthy dose of Adelaide Trail Runners’ trademark enthusiasm.

Wondai Country Running Festival

Date: 27-28 June 2026
Location: Wondai, Queensland
Website: wondaicountryfestival.com.au

Trail running doesn’t always have to mean technical mountain terrain. The Wondai Country Running Festival embraces its regional setting, combining country hospitality with a weekend of running that shines a light on the South Burnett region. It’s grassroots in the best possible way.

Red Dirt Backyard Ultra

Date: 27-28 June 2026
Location: Pilbara, Western Australia
Website: pilbaratrailblazers.au

We are loving that backyard ultras are popping up all over Australia. But there’s something pretty special about it happening in Pilbara. Red Dirt Backyard Ultra swaps forests for the red iron-rich dirt and endless horizons. The format remains the same though: complete a loop every hour until everyone else stops. Oh, and watch out for the rubber ducks on course, you could win a prize.

Rock ‘N Reef Trail Run

Date: 28 June 2026
Location: Bowen, Queensland
Website: outerlimitsadventure.com.au

Most people head to Bowen for the beaches or the mangoes. But this year trail runners will be heading there to scramble over headlands, bomb down some descents. Part of the Outer Limits Trail Run Series, Rock ‘N Reef takes runners past WWII lookouts and along technical coastal trails where soft sand, rocks and fast-running sections all get a say.

New Zealand

Mount Difficulty Ascent

Date: 13 June 2026
Location: Cromwell, New Zealand
Website: highlandevents.co.nz

If climbing hills is your idea of a good time, Mount Difficulty Ascent should be on your radar. The event takes runners high above Cromwell for sweeping views across Central Otago. The reward for the climbing comes in the form of some of the best scenery the South Island has to offer.

Rustic Run and Walk

Date: 13 June 2026
Location: Cromwell, New Zealand
Website: highlandevents.co.nz

Held alongside the Mount Difficulty Ascent weekend, the Rustic Run and Walk offers a more relaxed way to experience the landscapes around Cromwell. With options for runners and walkers alike, it’s a chance to soak up Central Otago’s winter beauty at your own pace.

Mount Vernon Grand Traverse

Date: 14 June 2026
Location: Blenheim, New Zealand
Website: harriers.net.nz

The Mount Vernon Grand Traverse doesn’t ease you into things. Starting from Blenheim, runners climb Mt Vernon before tracing the ridgelines and boundaries of Wither Hills Farm Park on a challenging 18km course that packs in around 950 metres of climbing. Organised by the Marlborough Harriers, the event has the feel of a traditional club hill run rather than a polished commercial race—big climbs, open country and the kind of views that only arrive after you’ve earned them.

Australia and New Zealand just keep delivering epic trail running events. We’re frothing over what’s coming up over the next few weeks—and judging by this list, trail runners are still finding wonderfully inventive ways to make themselves suffer.