Roller Coaster Run

The Roller Coaster Run is a challenging trail-running event held in the Dandenong Ranges, with races starting and finishing at Kalorama Memorial Reserve. The event returns on Saturday, 17 October 2026, offering distances for experienced ultramarathon runners, recreational trail runners and children.

The courses explore the steep tracks and forested terrain surrounding Kalorama and Mount Dandenong. Entrants should expect sustained climbs, technical descents and rapidly changing mountain weather.

Roller Coaster Run 2026 Race Schedule

The scheduled race starts are:

• 46k Double Loop Ultra: 9am
• 23k Single Loop: 10am
• 1.23k Kids Carousel: 10:30am
• Kids Carousel presentations: 11am
• 12k Twilight Mad Mouse: 6pm

Race-day bib collection and mandatory gear checks open at 7am for the 46k and 23k events. Kids Carousel bib collection opens at 9am, while bib collection for the 12k race opens at 4pm.

Race Distances

46k Double Loop Ultra

The 46k Double Loop Ultra is the longest and most demanding race of the day. It covers approximately 46 kilometres and includes more than 2,200 metres of elevation gain.

Competitors complete the 23k course before returning around the loop in the opposite direction. This means runners face the climbs, descents and technical sections from two different perspectives.

The race starts at 9am and has a 10-hour time limit. Runners must return to Kalorama by 1:45pm, reach the 37-kilometre checkpoint at Doongalla by 5pm and finish by 7pm.

The 46k event is registered with the International Trail Running Association. It qualifies for the UTMB 50 K. No previous race qualification is required to enter, although entrants should have suitable trail-running experience and training.

23k Single Loop

The 23k Single Loop follows one complete circuit through the Dandenong Ranges, with approximately 1,100 metres of elevation gain.

Starting at 10am, the course combines long climbs, fast descents and forest trails before returning to Kalorama Memorial Reserve. The course has a six-and-a-half-hour time limit.

Runners must reach the Doongalla checkpoint, about 15 kilometres into the course, by 2:10pm and finish by 4:30pm.

The 23k is an International Trail Running Association-registered event and a UTMB 20K qualifying race.

12k Twilight Mad Mouse

The Twilight Mad Mouse is an evening trail race covering approximately 12.4 kilometres, with more than 570 metres of elevation gain.

The race begins at 6pm and has a three-hour time limit, meaning competitors may be on the course after sunset. Every runner must carry a working head torch or another suitable torch that is not part of a mobile phone.

The Twilight Mad Mouse offers a shorter alternative to the 23k and 46k courses, but runners should still prepare for steep and technical terrain.

1.23k Kids Carousel

The Kids Carousel is a timed 1.23-kilometre race for children aged 12 and under. The course consists of two laps around the Kalorama Memorial Reserve oval, although the route may be adjusted in wet conditions.

Age categories include under six, under eight, under 10 and under 13. Every child who finishes receives a medal, with age-group presentations scheduled for 11am.

A parent or guardian may accompany a child at no additional charge, but accompanying adults do not receive a finisher’s medal.

Entry Fees and Deadlines

Standard entries remain available until midnight on 24 September 2026:

• 46k Double Loop Ultra: $220
• 23k Single Loop: $160
• 12k Twilight Mad Mouse: $90
• 1.23k Kids Carousel: $10

From 25 September, the late and race-day prices are $264 for the 46k, $192 for the 23k and $108 for the 12k.

Kids Carousel entries remain $10 until midnight on Friday, 16 October. Race-day entry costs $15 if places remain available.

An age-based discount is applied at checkout for eligible entrants under 18 in the 12k event. Entry fees include the mandatory registration charges shown during booking.

Online registration may close when a race reaches capacity, so runners should not rely on same-day entry.

Mandatory Gear

All 46k and 23k runners must carry:

• A charged and switched-on smartphone
• A snakebite compression bandage measuring at least 10 centimetres by two metres
• A hydration container with a minimum capacity of 500 millilitres
• A hooded, seam-sealed and breathable waterproof jacket when wet-weather gear is activated

The 12k mandatory gear list includes a charged smartphone, a head torch or separate handheld torch, at least 500 millilitres of fluid capacity and the required wet-weather jacket.

Organisers recommend downloading the course to a GPS device or the Avenza Maps app. This is recommended navigation equipment, not mandatory gear.

Equipment requirements may change based on the forecast or track conditions. Entrants should check the final race briefing and event communications before travelling.

Bib Collection

Entrants can collect their bib from Runners Paradise at Shop 1, 130 South Parade, Blackburn, between 10am and 6pm from Monday to Friday during race week.

Race-day collection is also available at the event village:

• 46k and 23k: From 7am
• Kids Carousel: From 9am
• 12k: From 4pm

Runners completing a distance with mandatory equipment must pass the required gear check before starting.

Aid Stations and Race Rules

The Roller Coaster Run is a cup-free event. Runners should carry a reusable cup, bottle or hydration vest if they intend to use drinks supplied at aid stations.

Trekking poles are permitted, but they must be used responsibly around other runners. Dogs and drones are not permitted on the course.

Participants must follow instructions from race officials, stay on the marked route, and carry all rubbish until they can dispose of it at an aid station or the event village.

Getting There and Parking

The event village is at Kalorama Memorial Reserve, 1190-1192 Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, Kalorama.

Parking in the Dandenong Ranges can be limited, particularly when several races and presentations are taking place at the same time. Entrants should allow additional travel time, consider carpooling and review the final participant information for confirmed parking or transport arrangements.

Roller Coaster Run FAQs

When is the Roller Coaster Run in 2026?
The event will be held on Saturday, 17 October 2026.

Where does the Roller Coaster Run start?
All races start and finish at Kalorama Memorial Reserve in Kalorama, Victoria.

What race distances are available?
The event includes the 46k Double Loop Ultra, 23k Single Loop, 12k Twilight Mad Mouse and 1.23k Kids Carousel.

What time does each race start?
The 46k starts at 9am, the 23k at 10am, the Kids Carousel at 10:30am and the 12k at 6pm.

Is mandatory gear required?
Yes. Mandatory equipment varies by distance and includes a charged smartphone, hydration capacity, a snakebite bandage, a waterproof jacket, and a head torch.

Can children participate?
Children aged 12 and under can enter the 1.23k Kids Carousel. A parent or guardian may accompany their child at no additional charge.

Can I enter on race day?
Late and race-day registrations may be offered if the selected event has not reached capacity. Higher entry fees apply.

Are dogs allowed on the course?
No. Dogs are not permitted on the Roller Coaster Run course.