The Alpine Challenge 2026 stands as one of the most formidable endurance tests in the Southern Hemisphere, pushing athletes to their absolute limits across the rugged Victorian Alps. Scheduled for the weekend of April 11–12, 2026, the event centers on Falls Creek, serving as the gateway to Australia’s highest peaks. The signature 100-mile course is a brutal undertaking, requiring runners to conquer six major summits, including the towering Mt Bogong and the iconic Mt Feathertop. With a staggering total elevation change of 7,600 meters, this race is reserved for the most disciplined mountain runners, though the festival offers a broad range of distances to ensure that the broader trail community can experience the raw beauty of the high country.
The 2026 edition continues to draw a diverse international and domestic field, with nearly 200 participants already committed to the various alpine tracks. From the high-stakes "Miler" to the accessible 10km and kids' runs, the event emphasizes safety and preparation in a volatile mountain environment. The registration follows a tiered timeline, with costs increasing as the event date approaches, reflecting the logistical complexity of managing a multi-day race across remote terrain. Whether you are aiming to join the elite ranks of the 100-mile finishers or looking to experience your first mountain marathon, the Alpine Challenge remains the gold standard for high-altitude trail running in Australia.
| Race Category | Distance & Peak Highlights | Minimum Age |
|---|---|---|
| 100 Mile | 160 km / Mt Bogong & Mt Feathertop | 18 Years |
| 100 km | Ultra distance / Major Alpine climbs | 18 Years |
| 60 km / Marathon | Technical mountain circuits | 18 Years |
| 25 km / 10 km | High Plains and ridge runs | 16 / 12 Years |
| Kids Race | Entry-level forest track | N/A |
| Demographic Metric | Regional Statistics (Victoria/High Country 2026) |
|---|---|
| Total Victoria Population | Approx. 7.1 Million Residents |
| Falls Creek Village Type | Seasonal Alpine Resort |
| Median Age | 37.8 Years |
| Tourism Impact | ~3.5 Million visitors to High Country annually |
| Altitude of Mt Bogong | 1,986 m (Highest in Victoria) |
Apr 12, 2026
Distance — 160km
Type — Running
07:00
$480.00
Apr 12, 2026
Distance — 100km
Type — Running
07:00
$320.00
Apr 12, 2026
Distance — 10km
Type — Running
07:00
$72.00
Apr 12, 2026
Distance — 20km
Type — Running
07:00
$104.00
Apr 12, 2026
Distance — 65km
Type — Running
07:00
$200.00
Apr 12, 2026
Distance — 1km
Type — Running
07:00
$10.00
Apr 12, 2026
Distance — 42km
Type — Running
07:00
$160.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in Falls Creek.
Learn more about the host city, Falls Creek.
Falls Creek is a ski resort surrounded by Alpine National Park in northeast Victoria. It's one of six ski resorts in Victoria and ten in Australia.
Read more launchWatch highlights and course previews from previous years.
Explore other exciting events happening in this same region.
location_on Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, AU
calendar_today Apr 19, 2026
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