Pictured Above: Runners assemble at the start for the 2005 run.
Frankston to Portsea Ultra Run – 55km, on the picturesque Mornington Pensinsula, south of Melbourne. Australia’s oldest surviving ultra marathon. The race commemorates the long Sunday training run used for many years by the great athletics coach, Percy Cerutty. Simply turn up to run, earn your traditional finisher’s chocolate and etch your name into the long history of this run.
Where:
Frankston to Portsea on the picturesque Mornington Peninsula, south of Melbourne. Starting on the south-east corner of the Nepean Hwy and Davey St. Frankston. There is no entry fee.
Status:
Australia’s oldest surviving ultra marathon. The race commemorates the long Sunday training run used for many years in the 50s and 60s by the great athletics coach, Percy Cerutty.
When:
Traditionally the first Sunday in April unless that happens to be Easter Sunday, in which case it will be the second [or possibly third] Sunday. The 54th edition of the run will take place on Sunday April 12th 2026. Start time is 7am.
Course Records:
Male: Antony Rickards 3:30:49 – 2008
Female: Tracey McCaw 4:15:00 1999
How Long in Existence:
Since 1973.
Due to insurance and safety issues, the 38th Frankston to Portsea run in 2010 was the last official race. However, since 2010, runners continue to gather each year to maintain the tradition by running the original course in the “Fat Ass” style of no entry fees, no publicity and definitely no fanfare. This they do of their own accord.
As for the Fat Ass version, No entry forms are needed. Just arrive for the 7am start at the corner of Davey Street and the Nepean Highway in Frankston, a bayside suburb of Melbourne (Melway ref. Map 102 C2) and meet in the car park behind the night club on the south east corner. All standards of runners/walkers are welcome. Take as long as you like (we promise to wait for you!). If you think you may take longer than eight hours then you are welcome to make an early start but please let me know if you prefer this option. The traditional finishers block of chocolate is still handed out.
This is a do-it-yourself run. Bring your own crew members or look after yourself via the plentiful shops and service stations on route.
Transport back to the start once the run is completed needs to be organised prior to the day of the run. However, often someone has spare seats in their vehicle and can ferry an extra body back to Frankston. Alternatively, the finish line is just 20 metres from the bus stop that returns to Frankston at regular intervals. Numerous runners have taken this option in recent years. Call me [Kevin Cassidy on 0425733336] if you require assistance.
