SUNDAY 2 JUNE 2024
EVENT PROGRAM: we strongly encourage all event attendees to read the Event Program which explains the event schedule, parking information and course details. READ IT HERE.
Update 15/5/2024: Smiths Gully in the Yarra Valley is now BACK as Race 1 of the 2024 Trail Running Series, replacing the previously advertised Plenty Gorge venue.
Unfortunately we received a last minute (and very unforeseen!) permit cancellation by Parks Victoria to host Race 1 at Plenty Gorge, so what better place to go than the deliciously beautiful trails of Smiths Gully! Plus we know you’re keen to tackle the Rob Roy again!
Smiths Gully is a small rural region located in Melbourne’s north eastern outskirts with a delightful mix of farming and bushland, rolling hills and quaint country villages filled with charismatic general stores and well stocked bakeries.
WHERE: Smiths Gully – Rob Roy Hill Climb Venue
(375 Clintons Road, Smiths Gully)
START TIMES: CLICK HERE for full race day schedule incl start times.
DISTANCES:
- Long Course: 25km (NEW course)
- Medium Course: 16km
- Short Course: 8km
The event centre is located at the infamous Rob Roy Hill Climb (see notes below) whilst all race courses enjoy a diverse mix of 2wd, 4wd roads and sweeping single track through the surrounding bushland. Runners will enjoy views across the Yarra Valley to the south and King Lake to the north whilst following an undulating course that has plenty of variety.
These little known trails will open your eyes to the beautiful rural regions surrounding Melbourne and broaden your love for trail running by exploring somewhere new!
The Rob Roy Hill Climb is a purpose built 695m hill climb race track (for cars!) dating back to 1935 and at the time of its construction was one of only three bitumen surfaced purpose built hillclimbs in the world. It is currently leased to the MG Car Club and is still in regular usage. Read more about the track here.
Get a Taste of the Action
Previous Years’ Photo Albums
Spectator info
The Rob Roy site is a pleasant place to visit and hang out whilst your friends / family do their race. It is an open area with plenty of fresh air and green grass that’s often acquainted by kangaroos who come to nibbling the grass. Spectators are more than welcome to the walk the 695m hill climb ‘race track’ and envisage what it would have been like to race historic cars up it back in the 1930’s!
The surrounding Smiths Gully and Yarra Valley areas are filled with innumerable things to do and places to stop, ranging from wineries and cafes through to local markets and galleries with plenty of places to dive into after a successful run in the hills. Brunch anyone!
Click here for more information about the Yarra Valley.
Highlights Video from the 2021 Race at Smiths Gully.
REMEMBER WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT: Sunshine, trails, fresh air and freedom = all combined to make the perfect event for 850+ super stoked trail runners at Smiths Gully today. Spot yourself, tag your friends or watch along to see how the Trail Series rolls in this fun highlight video shot by our good friend at The Matt Image.