Rollercoaster Recce run 2026

Dandenongs Trail Runners hosts a practice run along the course of the Rollercoaster Run in the lead up to the event.

Join us on Sunday September 27 at Kalorama Oval, the official start and finish line for the Rollercoaster Run.

Please register (for free) if you’re joining us for the recce. 

The Rollercoaster Recce is a self-supported run and you should use it as an opportunity to carry all mandatory gear. Treat it like race day, but be aware the full on-course support available on race day will not be there for the recce.

Here’s what you need to know:

Toilets

There are toilets at Kalorama Oval and near Doongalla. There will be portaloos at the Doongalla aid station on race day.

Water

There is no water on the course for the Rollercoaster Recce; you must be self sufficient.

The slower groups can be on course for 4 hours, so bring enough to last.

On race day, there will be a full aid station at Doongalla picnic ground which you can access at 7km and 15km points on each loop.

On course support / aid station

There will be a small aid station at Doongalla for the recce run with limited supplies.

Shoes

Wear trail shoes with good grip. Sections of the course can be muddy and there are steep uphills and downhills.

You may want to wear trail gaiters to keep small stones and other debris out of your shoes. Here’s an example of trail gaiters.

Nutrition

The slower groups can be on course for 4 hours, so bring enough food to last at least that long.

Poles

There are a few long, steep climbs and descents where poles would be advantageous, if you normally use them, bring them with you.

Map of the course

As on race day, you might need to navigate yourself if the run leaders are required to deal with any issues. It is recommended to download the course on to your watch and/or phone.

• 23k course
• 12k course

Mandatory gear

The Rollercoaster website lists the absolute minimum gear you must bring with you.

The recce runs are self supported so you should consider bringing:

• mobile phone with map of course
• minimum 2 litres of water
• plenty of food
• emergency space blanket
• personal first aid kit
• snake bandage
• thermal top or waterproof jacket if the weather is wet or cold.

Abandoning the run

If you need to abandon the run early and get someone to pick you up, the best places are:

• Near Kyeema Memorial marker – off Ridge Road – approximately 4.7km
• Sassafras – go off School track up to Sassafras – at approximately 10km into course
• Entrance to Doongalla – Simpsons road past The Basin Theatre – approximately 13km
• Glasgow / Sheffield road intersection – approximately 17km.

Ambulance cover

We recommend that everyone has current ambulance cover for emergencies.