GPT50k
Gariwerd/Grampians national Park
Start: MOUNt Zero, 6:00AM, November 6, 2025
Distance: 49.5km
Elevation Gain: 2000m+, 2040m-
Course: the Grampians Peaks Trail until Halls Gap
Cut off: 7:00pm Thursday (13 Hours)
Event village & STAY: HALLS GAP
Prize Money: TBA FOR 2025
course description
The GPT50k may well be the shortest race in this festival of ultra trail events, but it is no doubt still one of the most challenging 50k courses on the scene. With enticing waterfalls, jaw dropping vistas, rock hopping and long exposed climbs, this adventure like no other will be a proving ground for those looking to earn their first Ultra finish line to even the most experienced endurance trail runners.
The race starts with the iconic climb up the rock slab to reveal the entirety of the world famous Taipan Wall. After running under the rock wall the trail finds its groove as it toggles between a thin rocky uneven surface and a smooth dirt ribbon. There are many shorter climbs and descents along the section through to GAR Trailhead, where the first aid station awaits. Fuel up well and take extra water and nutrition because the next section is a real doozy.
There are numerous waterfalls for the next few kms before beginning the long and ever changing climb to GAR/Mt Difficult itself. Most of this long and exposed section has continual 360 views of the entire Grampians grandeur, which is a common theme throughout the whole run. Runners don’t actually summit GAR but rather turn to descend a very technical and choppy trail.
Once climbing again the trail goes once again between smooth and runnable to very rocky and uneven as it climbs ever so slowly and endlessly to Mt Difficult Rd aid station. This is truly the crux of the race and it will challenge every runner’s will. Take extra care of yourself through here.
The final section from here to Halls Gap is relatively faster than the previous. However it does start with a slower climb, grinding up to Wartook Lookout. Once here, stop, soak in the view of the four lakes and surrounding Peaks. The course is mostly downhill from here. If you still have good legs you can really try to move through the final 10km with pace. It is a long descent to Halls Gap on mostly smooth trail. Once turning left at Chatauqua Peak people will have a sense of the journey’s end, which may bring joy but also sadness that the adventure must come to an end. Runners take an enjoyable trail through the arboretum and caravan park to the town centre, where the celebration awaits!
MAPs
Details
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Wednesday November 5, 2024
2:00 PM - Opening Smoking Ceremony
2:30 PM - Event Village Opens At Centenary Hall in Halls Gap
2:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Mandatory Gear Check, Bib collection and tracker allocation for Stage Race & Team Relay and GPT50k.
2:30 PM - 8:00 PM - Shoe wash station open for all runner’s and crew’s shoes to be worn on the GPT trail
2:30 PM - 5:00 PM - Drop Bag service open at Event Village for Stage 1/50k
5:00 PM - Elite Panel
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM - Mandatory Gear Check, Bib collection and tracker allocation for Stage Race & Team Relay and GPT50k.
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM - Drop Bag service open at Event Village for Stage 1/50k
Thursday November 6, 2024
4:00 AM - 4:15 AM - Drop Bag service for Stage 1/GPT50k
4:15 AM - Rolling Shuttle Departure to Mt Zero
6:00 AM - START Stage Race & Team Relay, GPT50k
10:00 AM - First Finisher arrives in Halls Gap (expected to be Team Relay)
7:00 PM - Prize Presentations for GPT50k including Age Group winners
7:00 PM - Cut-off for Stage Race Day 1 & GPT50k
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Evidence for Qualification
This is a relentless and extremely technical race in remote locations. It is critical that you are aware of the challenge that you are committing to. There is no qualification process to enter for the 50k, however it is vital that you do not line up to Mount Zero without good preparation and confidence in your ability to stay safe.
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All Runners Must bring their mandatory Gear to the bib collection at Centenary Hall to have it checked.
The mandatory gear list to be carried at all times throughout the race is as follows:
A quality pack suitable to carry all the below items
Waterproof Jacket with hood. Must be made with a waterproof and breathable membrane. The hood must be attached to the jacket by the original manufactured design and must be seam sealed. Must be suitable for protection in bad weather in the Mountains.
Thermal long sleeve top weighing at least 180g (for Men’s Medium) made of polypropylene or wool textile only.
Warm headwear (beanie, buff or balaclava)
Sun Hat or Visor (neck cover recommended if hot)
Warm full fingered Gloves
Fully charged Smart Phone that is switched on. It is highly recommended you carry a power bank or have a system to charge your phone at aid stations. Turn off Bluetooth, wifi, and close all apps. If you listen to music, do it through an ipod or you must carry a power bank to charge the phone.
Telstra SIM * (see mandatory gear page for more details)
3L Litres of liquid storage capacity
Collapsible cup 150ml (recommended, this is a cup free event)
Survival / Emergency Blanket
Snake Bite Bandage with indicators (not less than 10cm x 2m). We recommend SMART bandage (LINK HERE with valuable information on snake bites as well)
Ice Bandana / Neck Cooler (recommended if over 23C). There will be ice, at key points on course to cool runners heading into hot sections. The T8 neck coolers are very easy to use and cover the neck perfectly.
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GAR Trailhead
Crew Access: There is parking available for crew who wish to drive (34 min from Halls Gap)
Stocked with water, Pure Electrolyte Drink, Pure Fluid Energy Gels, coca-cola, ginger beer, fruit, lollies, chocolate, chips, boiled potatoes.
Mt Difficult Rd
NO CREW ACCESS: This aid station is located on the side of a narrow dirt road. There will be no parking for crew or supporters. NOTE: Team members of the Stage Race Team Relay can drive to this aid station (via Boroka Lookout, 30 mins from Halls Gap). They will be the ONLY cars that can park at this aid station.
Stocked with water, Pure Electrolyte Drink, Pure Fluid Energy Gels, coca-cola, ginger beer, fruit, lollies, chocolate, chips, noodles, hot soup, boiled potatoes.
Halls Gap
Crew Access: Full Access to crew and Supporters with ample Parking
Stocked with water, Pure Electrolyte Drink, coca-cola, ginger beer, fruit, lollies, chocolate, chips.
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Aid Station: Cumulative Distance, Leg Distance, Ascent, Descent
START Mt Zero Picnic Area
GAR Trailhead: 15.5km, 15.5km, 620m+-
Mt Difficult: 35.5km, 20km, 1100m+, 670m-
Halls Gap: 49.5km, 14km, 300m+ ,770m-
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TOTAL: 13 HOURS
- START Mt Zero Picnic Area: 6:00 AM
- GAR Trailhead: 10:00 AM
- Mt Difficult: 4:00 PM
- FINISH Halls Gap: 7:00 PM
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A Drop Bag service will be available for runners at Mt Difficult Rd Aid Station and at the finish line in Halls Gap for warm clothing and recovery items/food, managed by a team of volunteers.
Athletes are requested to provide all gear and items in their own labelled, insulated, zipped “Woolworths-type” bag where practical. Please clearly identify it with your bib number and Name.
Your Mt Difficult Rd Drop Bag and Finish Line Drop Bag will be able to be dropped in Halls Gap Event Village Wednesday between 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM OR Thursday 4:00 AM - 4:15 AM
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Shuttle Buses will be available for $30 to the start line in Mt Zero. Runners MUST BOOK on Race Roster if they require a seat.
Spectators who want to book can do so for $30. Booking open until sold out!
Head to the Race Roster Store now to reserve your seat
Runners do have the option of driving to the start line with their crew to drop them off. Crew are welcome to watch the start of the race or walk up the trail a bit to see the Taipan Wall and watch the runners run by. There will be ample parking available at Mount Zero, please follow crew’s instructions.
More information on the shuttle times can be found in the Event Schedule
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Race Entry
GST and registration platform fees
Professional on-course sports photography available for purchase
Coveted Finishers Medallion
Fully marked course
Expert event medical support
On-course nutrition and refreshments
Professional event timing
Live real-time results via on-course checkpoints
GPS Trackers for all runners, which will see greater safety for runners out on course and also greatly improve the crewing experience to estimate when runners will arrive.
The GPT50k is a World Trail Majors Short Series Race
Short Series by Gran Canaria World Trail Majors can be between ‘over 30 km’ and ‘under 60 km’, still a considerable effort, more than enough for many to enjoy good trail running, and to ‘dip your toes’ into Ultra.
The GPT50k is registered with the International Trail Running Association (ITRA).
All runners who complete the course will gain qualifier points for their ITRA Performance Index.
The GPT50k is a UTMB® World Series Qualifier Event.
All runners who complete the course gain qualifier points for their UTMB® Index.
Runners with a valid UTMB® Index will have privileged access to register for a UTMB® World Series Event or UTMB® World Series Major and will use their UTMB® Index to validate their entry into the UTMB® World Series Finals lottery.