GPT100 Miler
Gariwerd/Grampians national Park
Enter as Solo or a Pair (Team of Two)
Start: MOUNt Zero, 8:00AM, FRIDAY November 6, 2026
Distance: 162km
Elevation Gain: 7700m+-
Course: the entire Grampians Peaks Trail
Cut off: 10:00Am Sunday, Dunkeld (50 Hours)
Event village & STAY: HALLS GAP
Prize Money: $1620 for the Female and Male Solo Winners ($10/km)
GPT100 Miler is a WORLD TRAIL MAJOR and also the AUTRA Australian 100 Mile Championships in 2026
The ultimate 100 mile journey, traversing the entirety of the Grampians mountain range from Mt Zero in the north to Dunkeld in the south.
The challenge will entail climbing and descending 7700m through a combination of sandstone slabs, gradual smooth trail, stairs and technical rocky outcrops. It is an incredibly challenging trail that will test the mind and body.
The route follows the full spine of the range along 99% single hiking trail and so the views throughout the journey will outweigh the physical toll and inspire you well beyond the finish.
COurse MAP
MILER PAIRS
This format gives participants the chance to register to run the entire 100 Mile Course as a team of two. You will share the entire trail without leaving the other runner’s side.
There will be a Winning Pairs team for each of the following categories:
Mixed Pair
Female Pair
Male Pair
The impact of this event will be to encourage a shared journey through the landscape. Overcome the challenges of working together and keeping spirits high on this incredibly challenging route. Runners will have the added benefit of having company through the night and extra safety of travelling in twos.
This format increases the safety of the event and hopefully encourages those who have apprehensions towards the Miler to give it a go and conquer the route with someone who they can count on. It will also give those who sign up a training buddy for the year! Nothing better to keep you accountable.
Rules:
If one runner cannot continue on course (DNF), the other runner may continue along the course to the finish. They will be transferred out of the Pairs race and into the Solo race.
If the two runners come into an aid station more than 2 minutes apart they will both be transferred out of the Pairs race and into the Solo race.
Finishers of the Pairs race will also receive the coveted Hardrock Qualifier.
course description
The Course starts with the iconic climb up Flat Rock from Mount Zero Picnic Area 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 miles 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 between smooth and runnable to very rocky and uneven as it climbs ever so slowly and endlessly to Mt Difficult Rd aid station. This section will challenge every runner’s will. Take extra care of yourself through here.
The 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 then follows a mostly smooth trail on a long descent to Halls Gap. Once turning left at Chatauqua Peak the 50k runners can see the finish. Runners take an enjoyable trail through the arboretum and caravan park to the town centre of Halls Gap. The 50k runners can celebrate; the Stage Race runners can be proud to have gotten through day 1; and the Miler runners will have a well earned aid station.
The course now follows the Wonderland Trail through to the Grand Canyon Trail and up to the famous Pinnacles Lookout. From here, it continues along a technical rocky trail, with some ducking and weaving to Mt Rosea car park aid station. This quick pitstop will be critical before tackling the climb up to Mount Rosea, and then traversing along the top, past some cliff edges and a scrambling descent. Just before you'll begin to tire of the technicality, the trail opens up to an 8km flowy descent, which is soft underfoot and all downhill to Borough Huts aid station. Take your time to replenish here as the next section through to Jimmy Creek Camp is without doubt the crux of the Grampians Peaks Trail.
Beginning with a flattish mile or so after crossing the Grampians Road, the trail turns upwards for a long climb on a rock slab to the Seven Dials. This is an incredibly scenic climb with big views in every direction. From here there is another scrambling rocky traverse across the dials before dropping back down into the valley between the Seven Dials and Redman's Bluff on a loose trail. The climb to Redman's Bluff is much like the one before it. It may be a long time since you've been at an aid station and the sun can heat the rock slab. Once again at the top, there is a rocky traverse and downhill to where you come very close to the road. From here, there is still a solid 2km climb to the Mount William Rd aid station along a steep trail.
After leaving the aid station, you complete the only paved section of the course, which is the road to the summit of Mount William. The walk up this smooth road is quite a treat for the feet. At the Summit, you turn back onto a trail and begin the long uneven descent to the saddle between Mount William and Durd Durd. After this there is the steepest climb on the entire trail. It is a stepped climb up to Durd Durd (Major Mitchell Plateau). This is truly where you might feel you are at your limit, but push through, because you are at the crux. After this climb the trail runs along the Plateau to the high point of the race, Durd Durd, at 1167m asl. From here there is a very very long continuous descent to Jimmy Creek Camp which starts out with a technical descent and small, exposed climb over Banksia Hill. Then follows a very steep downhill on a loose, bouldery goat track, which finally flattens out onto a well made wide trail.
This links you to Stockyard Track and from there you have another long 8km of gradual easy downhill to the aid station at Jimmy Creek Campground. This is the prime aid station for a good reset if required.
From the aid station there is a 1km backtrack to meet the GPT, and after crossing Jimmy Creek Rd there is a beautiful gradual climb up an idyllic valley. From the top it gets rocky again; you begin to feel like you are really in the heart of nowhere, and the trail is a welcome sense of comfort. Eventually the trail hits a boulder field and it is very slow going and tiresome. But it doesn't last long, and after yet another challenging goat track traverse you'll be at Yarram Campground. Be respectful to campers and marvel at the beauty of the place as you pass through. There is a smooth trail that descends from here with some small climbs to Yarram Gap Rd emergency aid station. This is not a full aid station, but will have first aid support, water, ice, electrolyte and sugary options.
The next section to Griffin Fireline and onto Cassidys Gap Rd is a series of shorter climbs and descents on purpose built trails. You will even pass through the large fields of Wannon campsite and run a stretch of boardwalks across the flood plains. There is an extended climb out of Griffin Fireline aid station, but the views are gorgeous and there are no steeper pitches. There is a nice rolling trail from the top all the way to Cassidys Gap aid station.
From Cassidys is the final big test, the climbs of Signal Peak and Mt Abrupt (Mud-Dadjug). These are two big mountains that can be seen from Mt William. They stand out and the climbs up them on mostly stepped trails are very challenging on tired legs. Take in the view from the summit of Mud-Dadjug as it is one of the finest points along the GPT. The descent is hard and choppy, often along big rock slabs to Bainggug Carpark aid station.
Here you know you will make it, but there are still two smaller climbs standing in the way. Get over the Bainggug rise and stumble up the final ascent to Mount Sturgeon/Wurgarri. It feels as though you can almost touch Dunkeld from the top. There are only 6km to go down a lovely descent and through open grassy fields. The trail follows the river right to the middle of the small town of Dunkeld where only a couple hundred metres up Sterling St will bring you to the iconic finish line in the gardens of the terminus of the Grampians Peaks Trail.
GPT100 MILER IS A HARDROCK QUALIFIER
GPT100 MILER IS A HARDROCK QUALIFIER
FINISHERS OF THE 2026 GPT100 MILER (SOLO OR PAIRS) WILL BE ABLE TO ENTER THE HARDROCK LOTTERY FOR THE 2027 + 2028 EDITIONS. MOVING FORWARD, THE MILER WILL BE A QUALIFYING RACE AND ALLOW FINISHERS TWO YEARS OF HARDROCK 100 LOTTERY APPLICATIONS.
The GPT100 Miler is a World Trail Major
World Trail Majors was born with the purpose of uniting historic races due to their philosophy of caring for the environment, their historical heritage and their natural beauty. They are a collection of “bucket list” races for both amateur and professional runners who want to experience racing like it should be. Each time a unique experience.
The GPT100 Miler 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 GPT100 Miler 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.
The GPT100 Miler is the 100 Mile Australian Championship again in 2026
Athletes battle it out for the title of National Champion and see who will rise to the top of this iconic trail running challenge.
For further information, please refer to the AUTRA Website