Every May, the Bayside Coastal Running Festival invites athletes and outdoor lovers to test their pace along one of Victoria’s most dynamic shorelines. Situated in Sandringham, just south of Melbourne, this festival is more than a race—it’s a run with the coast itself, where salt-laced winds challenge you and the rugged terrain demands respect.

Runners face multiple course distances ranging from a manageable 5K to a grueling 30K ultra, tracking through coastal trails, sandy beaches, and cliff-top paths. The terrain varies: expect sections of soft sand that dare your feet to push forward, rocky outcrops that tug at your focus, and patches of crushed granite and bush tracks offering firmer footing but requiring vigilance. Elevation gain is moderate, around 150 meters on the longest courses, enough to feel the burn but not overwhelm, as the trails rise and fall like the nearby ocean.

The festival’s route hugs the water’s edge, with crashing waves as a constant companion. The ocean’s mood shifts through the day—sometimes calm and shimmering like glass, other times rolling with defiant energy that seems to push runners along with its tempo. Inland, native banksias and eucalypts lean into coastal winds, their leaves whispering encouragement or warning depending on the breeze. This is not just a race; it’s an engagement with an environment that is fiercely itself.

Pragmatically, timing your run here means balancing tides and weather. Early morning starts prize cooler temperatures and softer light, while midday sun brings heat and stronger coastal gusts—hydration and sun protection must be non-negotiables. Trail shoes with aggressive grip tackle the mixed surfaces best, preventing slips on damp rocks or loose sand.

Facilities cluster near Sandringham Beach, where parking and quick refreshment points support participants and spectators alike. The festival atmosphere is electrifying yet focused, with runners of all experience levels blending drive and enjoyment.

For those seeking an adventure that pairs measurable challenge with sensory richness, the Bayside Coastal Running Festival in Sandringham offers a compelling invitation. It pushes you to understand pace, pace yourself with terrain, and respect the living coastline that reshapes the course with every tide and breeze.

Whether you’re sprinting against time or taking in the coastal stretch at a steady jog, this festival offers a vibrant connection with Victoria’s coastal edge—and a practical challenge to match.