Half on The Hill 2026

Best For: Strength-based trail runners and those who prefer a social team format over a solo grind.

Course Character: Hilly and relentless; expect sustained climbs on fire trails.

Logistics Score: ⭐⭐⭐ (Griffith is a regional hub, but you'll need to coordinate your own transit from larger airports like Wagga Wagga or Sydney.)

Value for Money: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (At A$45 for a trail half, this is an absolute steal.)

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Forget about your road PB here. If you show up expecting a flat, rhythmic cruise, the Scenic Hill climbs will punish you by kilometer five. This is a raw, dirt-under-the-fingernails kind of race that rewards leg strength and technical downhill control.

Half on The Hill 2026 takes place on Sunday, 28 June 2026, in Griffith, Australia. You can tackle the full 21.1 km solo or split the distance with a partner in a team format. It’s a gritty, elevation-heavy affair that prioritizes terrain over speed.

How tough is the actual terrain?

This is not a road race. You are looking at fire trails and mixed surfaces around Scenic Hill. It is characterized by rolling hills and sustained climbs that will hike your heart rate. The course is marked with white arrows on the ground, but don't expect a manicured path—expect dirt, uneven footing, and a shared course where you'll need to keep an eye out for bikes and vehicles at the three road crossings. Trail shoes are non-negotiable here.

What should I expect regarding the weather?

Late June in Griffith means winter in the Riverina. Expect crisp, cool mornings—likely in the single digits or low teens Celsius—but don't be fooled; once you're grinding up those fire trails, you'll heat up quickly. Layers are your friend for the start, but choose something breathable. There's no rain guarantee, but the terrain can get slick if the winter weather turns damp.

What are my distance and format options?

You have two distinct ways to play this: go solo for the full 21.1 km half marathon, or opt for the team format where two runners split the load (roughly 10.5 km each). The team categories are well-structured, offering Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed options. If you aren't feeling the solo grind, the team option is a great way to experience the hills with a bit more social buffer.

What do I need to know about hydration and support?

The aid stations are spaced roughly every 4 km, providing water only. Because the terrain is hilly and the gaps are relatively wide for a trail race, I strongly suggest carrying your own handheld bottle or hydration vest to avoid hitting a wall between stations. You'll be rewarded at the finish with fruit and refreshments, but the mid-race strategy is all on you.

Is there anything worth winning?

If you are a competitive type, there are prizes for the top three male and female individual finishers, as well as winners in the various team categories. For the rest of us, every finisher walks away with a medal. It’s a modest setup, but the prestige comes from conquering the hill, not the trophy cabinet.