The Bendigo Trail Run Festival is hosted in conjunction with the TreX Cross Triathlon Series which together make up an action packed weekend of off road events for the entire family.
Taking in some of the most spectacular bushland trails this all new trail run festival is set to delight, challenge and inspire trail runners of all ages and abilities.
Based in the heart of Victoria’s Gold Rush Country at Crusoe Reservoir in Bendigo the courses challenge runners with a diverse array of terrain and scenery, from the natural beauty of Crusoe Reservoir and No 7 Park, to the challenge of Big Hill within Bendigo Regional Park.
So whether your a hardcore trail runner, a weekend warrior, someone who just loves getting in 2 the outdoors, or a family and kids, there’s something for everyone.
| Half Marathon | 11k | 5k |
| Athletes must be at least 16 years of age on 31 Dec 2017 | Athletes must be at least 12 years of age on 31 Dec 2017 | Athletes must be at least 10 years of age on 31 Dec 2017 |
| Young Guns 16-17yrs | Junior 12-13yrs | Junior 10-11yrs |
| Open 18-29yrs | Junior 14-15yrs | Junior 12-13yrs |
| Veteran 30-39yrs | Open 16-29yrs | Junior 14-15yrs |
| Masters 40-49yrs | Veteran 30-39yrs | Open 16+yrs |
| Super Masters 50+yrs | Masters 40-49yrs | |
| Super Masters 50+yrs |
Additional age group categories may be added as entries warrant.

Please refer to the EVENT TIMETABLE for Registration Times
Race Number including Timing Chips will be distributed in race packs at registration.
Juniors under 18 years must be accompanied for the duration of the event by a Parent or Guardian who is present on site. At registration participants are to record the name and contact phone number of the accompanying adult or guardian on the Parental Registration Form.
Participants must carry their own water and nutrition sufficient for the duration of the event, however, water refill stations, where participants can refill bottles and hydration packs with water are located at:
It is recommended that competitors bring the following equipment.
As Event Organisers we are often asked why ‘Compulsory Equipment’ is included as part of some of our races. The simple answer to this question is that it’s about keeping participants safe, which we believe should be the priority in any decision making when it comes to event management. To find out more please visit FAQ Compulsory Equipment.
This is a self supported event and the following equipment is compulsory and must be carried by all participants.
*Participants must bring these items with them to the event. Participants will be advised at race registration if these items are compulsory to be carried on the day.
In addition to the items listed above participants in the 11k and Half Marathon Trail Run are also required to carry the following items:
The athlete guide will be available for download prior to the event. Please read the entire document carefully as it includes all the information you need to ensure you have a safe, fun and enjoyable event.
Race numbers with electronic timing chips attached to the number will be provided for all competitors in their race packs.

The Course & Safety Brief will take place at Race HQ. All participants must attend the briefing with all equipment ready to start the event. The brief will cover all the information you need to ensure a safe and enjoyable race as well as important information about the course and any changes on the day.
The event will start soon after the Safety Brief is finished.
The event will commence with a mass start from the start point. Please follow the instructions of the Race Director at the Start Brief.
Each course will finish at Crusoe Reservoir Reserve.
A good and fair race always includes a few rules and to ensure you can enjoy your race it’s a good idea to have a read of the race ri;es BEFORE the start of the event. These rules will be enforced by the Race Director and ignorance isn’t an excuse that can be accepted.
Your safety is a key consideration; however, trail running events do involve risk. Dedicated first aiders are on hand at Race HQ and on the course to assist where necessary.
3 Safety Rules
On the course there are a number of things you can do to assist yourselves and fellow competitors:
First Aid will be located at Race HQ and at manned check points on the course. This will be identified at the safety briefing.
There are check points on the course, staffed by First Aid Qualified team members. These are marked on the course map at HQ.
In the event of fire or other emergency, follow instructions from event officials. On the course marshals will direct you back to the Evacuation Meeting Point at HQ. Please follow instructions from Emergency Personnel and/or event officials.
Our event partners have been extremely generous in supporting this event so we can all enjoy the sport we love. We reciprocate that support and therefore no signage, flyers, promotional banners, promotional tents, branded vehicles, sales, service or trade displays are permitted to be set up within the Race HQ or car parking areas without written authorisation from the event directors.
Please be respectful of this to avoid being asked to remove tents etc.
Please see the ‘Event Promotion Policy’ displayed on the Policy page.
In2Adventure is committed to maintaining a minimal impact policy that will protect the environment and enable us as individual members of the general public and members of the outdoor community to continue to enjoy the vast natural environment that is Australia’s backyard. Therefore we ask that competitors read and agree to abide by the Bush Code and Mountain Bike Code outlined on in our Environmental Policy and ensure that no rubbish, gel packets or wrappers are dropped on the course during the event.
In2Adventure has public liability insurance. This DOES NOT cover you as a participant. If you fall over or hurt yourself, there is no accident cover for you. In2Adventure strongly recommends that each participant has their own personal accident insurance. Each participant has been required to read & accept the RELEASE & INDEMNITY WAIVER when registering online.

Crusoe Reservoir Reserve
229 Crusoe Road, Kangaroo Flat, VIC, 3555
There is ample parking located near Race HQ in the Reserve car park, on Crusoe Road and in the event parking area located across the road.
Please follow signage on arrival.
There are numerous accommodation options available for all budgets and tastes throughout Bendigo.
View and Book at Bendigo Tourism
The Crusoe Reservoir and No 7 Park Precinct is popular for cycling, walking, jogging and fishing. The 210-hectare area is surrounded by the Greater Bendigo National Park. It is known for its beauty, rich cultural heritage and various recreational features.
Facilities include:
Find out more here.
At In2Adventure we lova our fur kids, however pets are not permitted within Crusoe Reservoir Reserve. Please leave your furry friends at home to avoid being asked to leave the event site by Council Rangers.

Encompassed within the natural beauty of Crusoe Reservoir and No 7 Park and then tackling the challenge of Big Hill within Bendigo Regional Park, the half marathon course will both challenge and delight runners as they discover the beauty of Victoria’s historic goldfields region.

Encompassed within the natural beauty of Crusoe Reservoir and No 7 Park and Big Hill within Bendigo Regional Park, the 11k course will both challenge and delight runners as they discover the beauty of Victoria’s historic goldfields region.

Encompassed within the natural beauty of Crusoe Reservoir, No 7 Park and Bendigo Regional Park, the 5k course will both challenge and delight runners as they discover the beauty of Victoria’s historic goldfields region.
5k GPX File Coming Soon
This is a free, fun, non-competitive event for our youngest champions of tomorrow. The run is a 500m course that takes runners around Race HQ at Crusoe Reservoir to the cheers of the crowd.
Being a non-competitive event parents/guardians are more than welcome to accompany runners on the course.
The trail run course is signed with red and white In2Adventure arrows, cones and tape. Follow the course as indicated by the signage. It is important to note that the course will also be marked for the TreX Cross Triathlon so please ensure to follow the trail run signage.
Marshals will be in place at strategic points throughout the course, however ultimately it is up to each competitor to know and follow the correct course route.
| 6:30am | REGISTRATION OPEN | All Events |
| 7:00am | 'Late On Line Entries' Closed | Half Marathon |
| 7:30am | REGISTRATION 1 CLOSED | Half Marathon |
| 7:45am | Half Marathon Course & Safety Brief (All athletes must attend!) |
| 8:00am | HALF MARATHON START |
| 8:45am | 'Late On Line Entries' Closed | 11k & 5k REGISTRATION 2 CLOSED | 11k |
| 9:00am | 11k Course & Safety Brief (All athletes must attend!) |
| 9:15am | 11K START |
| 9:45am | REGISTRATION 3 CLOSED | 5k |
| 10:00am | 5k Course & Safety Brief (All athletes must attend!) |
| 10:15am | 5K START |
| *11:00am | MUD RATS KIDS RUN START |
| *11:30am | PRESENTATIONS | Dirt Master Titles & Trail Run Festival |
| 12:30pm | Event Close |
After a challenging day taking on the Trex Cross Triathlon Series, what better way to compliment your visit to the city and beyond than to stay a night or more in one of the many accommodation options we have on offer.
Gently stroll back to your accommodation and savour the fresh country air. Many Bendigo hotels, motels, Bed and Breakfasts, self-contained apartments and hostels are centrally located for great convenience. For those wishing to escape to a rural setting there are farm stays, rural retreats and Bed and Breakfasts outside of the city.
Affordable and welcoming caravan parks and motels are bursting with convenience and things to do. Many have highlights for kids like swimming pools, jumping pillows, playgrounds and kindy playrooms.
Many of Bendigo’s gracious heritage buildings have been transformed into superb, contemporary accommodation properties. The iconic Hotel Shamrock has presided over the city for more than a century and now offers a glimpse at the grandeur of its golden past. Famous performers Lola Montez and Dame Nellie Melba have visited and in 1983 crowds saw Lady Diana Spencer wave from the balcony.
We offer a free booking service. Search for accommodation online or call our friendly Accommodation Booking Specialists on 1800 813 153 to book.
Please note each accommodation provider has selected the most appropriate category for their business, however some services offered may overlap into other accommodation types.


229 Crusoe Road, Kangaroo Flat, VIC 3555
Both Melbourne Tullamarine and Avalon Airports hosts flights to and from Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Newcastle, Gold Coast, and a host of regional destinations.
For more information on Melbourne Tullamarine Airport call 03 9297 1600 or visit www.melbourneairport.com.au
For more information on Melbourne Avalon Airport call 03 5227 9100 or visit www.avalonairport.com.au
Public Transport Victoria provides services from Melbourne to Bendigo daily. Phone 1800 800 007 or visit Bendigo Railway Station
Bendigo Airport Services operates the Bendigo shuttle bus to Melbourne Airport offering several services per day, stopping at Kangaroo Flat, Castlemaine, Chewton, Malmsbury, Kyneton, Woodend and Gisborne en route. Book instantly* on our website by clicking here.
Timetable: visit Bendigo Airport Shuttle Bus
Apart from discovering all the awesome natural beauty of Bendigo during the TreX XTri Series and Multisport Festival, Bendigo is a city of insta-worthy shops, locally-made drops, pottery, pictures and fun times for the family. Are we ticking off your list here?
In other words, in our lovely city you can partake in your fair share of holiday dining, sampling local wines, craft beer and market goodies.
You can shop for amazing things you never knew you needed until you spied them. Find boutiques curated by quirky locals and collections of Bendigo-made art, craft and fashion. It’s well worth a good old rummage.
You can marvel at our arts and culture in the galleries and museums, then cultivate a healthy love of our natural attractions.
Walk and cycle the city and beyond, book a guided tour of the best bits or take your time experiencing our authentic attractions – if you’ve got kids, you’re going to want to do them all.
Mix and match from these ideas, then hatch your plan for a visit worth writing home about. Or at the very least posting, tweeting, etc etc. Selfies with Sun Loong anyone?
To plan your stay go to bendigotourism.com
Situated in the historic Post Office, Bendigo Visitor Centre can help you sort out all your needs while you are at the TreX X-Tri Series, including accommodation, shopping, dining, booking attractions & tours, and provide you visitor information, map and guide books. They also have quality gifts and souvenirs so it is a must stop during your Bendigo Visit. The Visitor Centre opens everyday from 9am to 5pm(except Christmas Day).
CALL TOLL FREE ON 1800 813 153 OR INTERNATIONAL +61 3 5434 6060
Address: 51 – 67 Pall Mall, Bendigo
T: 1800 813 153
E: [email protected]
Download our official guides to assist you in planning your stay in Bendigo. Help us save the trees and use an e-copy if you can.
If you require a paper copy to be posted, please contact us and let us know which guides you would like. If you are looking for something in particular, contact one of our friendly staff members on 1800 813 153 or email [email protected], they will be more than happy to answer any questions you have.
A range of maps is also available to download as PDFs.
2017 Official Visitor Guide
The 2017 guide features all new experience and motivational sections focusing on our heritage and history, arts and culture, food and local produce, active lifestyle and itineraries.
2017 Bendigo Dining & Shopping Guide
This handy guide is all about finding the perfect dining and shopping experiences whilst discovering the best of Bendigo and the surrounding region. Explore the city by precinct and discover all the must do experiences.
Bendigo’s location on the northern fringe of the Great Dividing Range means it enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate. The region avoids extremes in weather such as snow and strong winds and averages 240 rain free days per year.
With the average January temperature of 29 degrees and 12 degrees in July – the variation between the seasons is very pleasant. Bendigo is still one of the few places in Australia that you can enjoy all four seasons.
Weather forecast for the next 7 days for VIC: Bendigo

Dine in a heritage bank vault, in a former glass factory, a heritage-listed Beaurepaires site, plus down laneways, byways and basements.
Many of the loveliest locals grow, make, bake and brew the food, beer and wine on offer. Salt-of-the-earth people who produce seasonal food so good, ironically, you won’t need salt nor seasoning. Meet them at a market, or on a dedicated foodie tour of the city.
Of course you’ll need to be washing all this down with a bevvie or two; a local wine, a Bendigo beer, or something a wee bit fancy from some of regional Victoria’s best cocktail menus.
Find out more at www.bendigotourism.com/bendigo-eat-drink
Once upon a time the words ‘craft’ and ‘beer’ would never have fraternized so closely. No crafter would risk a malty spillage on their finger knitting. Cheers to that. But times have changed and we all know there’s no beer quite like a craft beer.
Bendigo does it so well. You’ve got your True Brew, your Tooborac, and your Cornella Real just a short drive away. Visit them at the source, find them headlining a beer festival or head to a local pub for a pint or two and a spot of yarn spinning. Pun intended. Many Bendigo venues champion the local brews and can help you choose a favourite.
At True Brew you can get truly crafty; brew your own beer using their time-honoured methods and equipment.
Since 2011, Bendigo Beer has championed local craft beer and breweries by running fun, approachable events to educate and tantalise, while showcasing the city’s vibrant and ever-evolving nightlife and dining culture. Bendigo and central Victoria boasts 6 genuine craft breweries and over 60 venues stocking some of the world’s best ales and lagers.
From cool outdoor bars to brewery bars to traditional pubs to Age Good Food Guide Chef’s Hat restaurants to Australia’s most unique mobile beer festival “Bendigo On The Hop”, Bendigo’s beer scene is considered by some in the industry as the best in regional Australia.
Enough talking, time to get sampling! Head to www.bendigobeer.com/beer-finder to quickly discover the best of the best in Bendigo! Cheers!
Entries open at 9am (AEST) on Tuesday 3rd October with an extra special ‘One Day Only Entry Offer’ to launch this exciting new trail run festival.
Be one of the first 50 entries on Tuesday 3rd October and enter…
| Day-one Special | Early Bird | Standard | Late Entries | |
| First 50 Entries Tues 3 Oct 2017 | Close midnight Sun 29 Oct 2017 | Close 5pm Wed 22 Nov 2017 | Close 30mins before close of event registration |
|
| Half Marathon 21k Trail Run | $30 | $70 | $85 | *$115 |
| 11k Trail Run | $20 | $35 | $55 | *$85 |
| 5k Trail Run | $15 | $20 | $30 | *$50 |
| *Late online entries will be made available after close of entries on Wed if the event is not fully subscribed Any late entries are only accepted online. |
All entries are via secure online entry system provided by eWay. Payment is by Visa, Mastercard or American Express.
Where an event is not fully subscribed by close of entries at 5pm on Wednesday, late online entries will be made available.
Late Online Entries may be submitted after close of entries and up until half an hour before the close of event registration.
Late Online Entries incur an additional $30 administration fee. All late entries must be completed online, manual entries are NOT available at event registration. Please enter using your phone, device or computer prior to the Late Entry Close Time.
IMPORTANT NOTE: ALL LATE ENTRIES MUST BE COMPLETED ONLINE USING PHONE, DEVICE OR COMPUTER ONLY.
Early Bird Entries close 4 weeks prior to the event.
Standard Entries close at 5pm Wednesday prior to the event.
Late online entries close at least half an hour before close of registration. Please check the event timetable for exact times. All late entries must be completed online using your phone, device or computer prior to the Late Entry Close Time.
Half Marathon Trail Run: 16 years of age on 31 Dec, 2017
11k Trail Run: 12 years of age on 31 Dec, 2017
5k Trail Run: 10 years of age on 31 Dec, 2017
Kids Mud Rats: any age
Every effort has been made to keep entry costs to an absolute minimum, however we are keen to encourage families to be involved in In2Adventure events and we do understand that entries for a large family can add up.
If you are a family unit, and members of your family are looking at taking part in the race, then email us at [email protected] PRIOR TO ENTERING with the following details:
We will consider each request on an individual basis.
Important Information about Family Discounts

A big thank you to our event partners City of Greater Bendigo Council for their support in staging this event in the beautiful Goldfields region.
Find out more about beautiful Bendigo Region HERE
As Event Organisers we are often asked why ‘Compulsory Equipment’ is included as part of some of our races. The simple answer to this question is that it’s about keeping participants safe, which we believe should be the priority in any decision making when it comes to event management.
Compulsory Equipment lists are developed by the event team based on a number of factors. These include, but are not limited to:
Based on the qualifications, skills and knowledge of our team compulsory equipment lists are developed based on what we believe is the minimum to keep our participants safe and well if they are delayed for any reason during the event.
Most times compulsory equipment won’t be required, however in the case where participants may find themselves injured, immobilised or exhausted, especially in poor weather conditions then the compulsory equipment will aid survival until rescue can be actioned.
We are often asked why participants do not have the option to just take the gear that they think they require, and in an ideal world, this would be great, however, we do not live in a world where every person has the skills, knowledge and experience to know what the potential dangers could be and we prefer to use the years of experience of our team, extensive knowledge of the local conditions and the expertise of local authorities to guide this decision making.
Another important aspect of an event is ensuring it is fair for those participating. A compulsory equipment list means that each person is carrying the same gear as every other participant and that is why random gear checks are often carried out during events to ensure that everyone is taking part in the spirit of the event.
If you miss the entry closure at 5pm Wed prior to the event, late online entries are open until 30mins before the close of registration on the day. Late entries are online only.
No licence or club membership is required to take part in this event.
No support crew is required or permitted for this event, however we do recommend bringing the whole family along to cheer you on and enjoy what the area has to offer.
Competitors are not permitted to wear personal audio equipment while taking part in the event. This is for safety reasons to ensure that runners can be alert to their environment and can easily hear calls from officials and from other participants and ensure it is an enjoyable experience for all involved.
Participants are required to be self-sufficient for the event.
If you are unable to stay for prize giving you can send a stamped, self addressed registered envelope (large enough to hold your prize) to In 2 Adventure, PO Box 2003, Brookside Centre Qld within 2 weeks of the event. Please include the following details:
Your prize and medal will be posted as soon as possible, however, due to the fact that prizes are packed away in the event trailer and this sometimes has to be transported long distances there may be a wait time of up to 6 weeks.
Unfortunately due to past circumstances, we are unable to allow for prizes or medals to be collected by other competitors as we are committed to ensuring that prizes are delivered to the rightful recipient. After 2 weeks following the event if prizes are unclaimed they will be returned to the prize pool for future events.
Random Draw Prizes Only those present at the presentation ceremony will be eligible for random draw prizes.
A decision to cancel or reschedule an event will not be made lightly, however our main focus is competitor safety and respect for the environment in which we operate. Sometimes situations outside of our control do result in this outcome.
It is forbidden to participate in an event under another competitor’s name or to offer your entry to another participant. Transfer of entry to another competitor is not permitted. Details about changing entry details are outlined in the Event Refund Policy
If you are unable to make the event full details are outlined in the EVENT REFUND POLICY outlining necessary actions and follow up in the case of an applicable refund or credit
The Bendigo Trail Run Festival is part of a MultiSport Weekend Festival which includes the TreX Cross Triathlon Series hosted on Saturday at Crusoe Reservoir.
TreX is triathlon but with a new twist as we head off road for a version of the sport with heart, grit and off road action. TreX includes a Swim, Mountain Bike and Trail Run on a pre-determined, marked course and is governed by the normal rules and guidelines of a traditional triathlon. Put simply, it’s the on road version of the sport transposed into a bushland setting with mountain bikes and off road trail shoes.
The event includes Standard, Sprint, Junior, Teaser and Dirt Kids Courses as well as a Duathlon and Aquabike format, so there’s something for all comers no matter what your age or ability.
To find out more visit the website at trextriathlon.com.au