Perth summer trail races 2027: what’s on beyond the Perth Trail Series
If you love the Perth Trail Series but want something different on your summer calendar, there are several Perth summer trail races in 2027 worth planning around. This guide covers the John Forrest Trail Run in the Perth Hills, the Yaberoo Trail Twilight Ultra in Joondalup, and two regional options south of Perth: the True Blue Ultra in Australind and the Sandman 50 beach run from Dunsborough.
They range from a 4.3km bush run to a 100km lapped ultra, so there’s something here whether you’re new to trails or chasing a big summer goal. Below you’ll find dates, distances, entry fees where published, and practical tips for running Perth’s trails in the heat.
Information checked October 2026. Details for 2027 events can change, so confirm on each event’s official website before you enter.
Summer trail races at a glance
| Event | Date | Where | Distances |
|---|---|---|---|
| True Blue Ultra | Sat 16 Jan 2027 | Australind foreshore | 12.5K, 25K, 50K, 75K, 100K (plus kids’ 6K) |
| Sandman 50 | Sat 23 Jan 2027 | Dunsborough to Busselton Jetty | 50K solo, 2 x 25K relay |
| John Forrest Trail Run | Sun 7 Feb 2027 (to be confirmed) | Hovea, Perth Hills | 4.3K, 13K |
| Yaberoo Trail Twilight Ultra | Sat 13 Feb 2027 | Joondalup | 5K, 10K, 15K, 25K, 50K (plus kids’ events) |
John Forrest Trail Run (Sunday 7 February 2027)
The John Forrest Trail Run is a West Australian Marathon Club (WAMC) event in John Forrest National Park, which sits on the edge of the Darling Scarp about 25km from the Perth CBD. The park is known for its valleys, granite outcrops, creeks and seasonal waterfalls, according to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
- Date: Sunday 7 February 2027 (listed by Running Calendar)
- Start area: corner of Flora and Park Road, Hovea
- Distances: 4.3km and 13km, both off-road
- Who can enter: WAMC members and non-members
Things to know
Running Calendar notes that its 2027 listing is based on the previous event and is subject to change. At the time of writing, WAMC’s own event page still showed the 2024 edition, which was cancelled, so treat the 2027 date as provisional until WAMC confirms it. Previous editions asked runners to carry their own water because there were no drink stations on course.
This is the shortest and most approachable race on this list. The 4.3km is a good first taste of trail running if you’re comfortable on a 5km parkrun. Read more about how the club runs its events in our guide to the West Australian Marathon Club.
Yaberoo Trail Twilight Ultra (Saturday 13 February 2027)
The Yaberoo Trail Twilight Ultra is an Ultra Series WA event on the Yaberoo Budjara Heritage Trail in Perth’s northern suburbs. The City of Wanneroo describes the full trail as a 28km walking route that begins at Neil Hawkins Park on Lake Joondalup and follows a traditional path used by Whadjuk Noongar elder Yellagonga’s people to move between the coastal lakes.
The race starts at the Burns Beach end and heads north along limestone trails through Tuart bushland to a turnaround for each distance. Running Calendar describes it as a relatively fast course with about 600m of elevation over the 50km. The twilight format means you start in the late afternoon and finish under headlamp.
Start times and entry fees
From the official Yaberoo Trail Ultra race info page (early-bird entries have sold out; prices below are second release / final release, plus booking fee):
| Distance | Start | Cut-off | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50km | 3pm | 9 hours | $234 / $259 |
| 25km | 5pm | 7 hours | $139 / $149 |
| 15km | 6pm | 6 hours | $119 / $129 |
| 10km | 7pm | 5 hours | $89 / $99 |
| 5km | 7.30pm | 4.5 hours | $59 / $69 |
Kids’ 5km and 10km entries are $20. All distances finish by midnight, which gives a generous window for walkers and first-timers.
Mandatory gear
- All distances: a headlamp and a keep-cup or soft flask
- 15km, 25km and 50km: also a mobile phone with the event number saved and 500ml of water
- Hot days: the organiser recommends a hat and sunscreen
The event village is at the start/finish line on Burns Beach Road at Blue Mountain Drive. Register through the official Yaberoo Trail Ultra website.
True Blue Ultra, Australind (Saturday 16 January 2027)
South of Perth, the True Blue Ultra is a lapped event on a certified 12.5km out-and-back course along the Australind foreshore beside the Leschenault Inlet. The route includes the Paperbark Walk on Cathedral Drive. It’s mostly path rather than technical trail, and Running Calendar describes it as flat and fast.
- Distances: 12.5km (1 lap), 25km (2 laps), 50km (4 laps), 75km (6 laps), 100km (8 laps), plus a kids’ 6km
- Base: Ridley Place Foreshore Park, Old Coast Road, Australind
- Aid: aid stations every 6.25km and a self-serve water stop at 3km
- Entry: through Race Roster; AURA members receive a discount
Entry fees, start times and cut-offs weren’t published on the official site when we checked, and Running Calendar notes the 100km has qualifying criteria. Check the True Blue Ultra website before you enter.
The lapped format suits runners stepping up in distance, because you pass an aid station every 6.25km.
Sandman 50, Dunsborough (Saturday 23 January 2027)
The Sandman 50 is a beach ultra that runs from the Old Dunsborough boat ramp to the Busselton Jetty and back. The official site says the nominal race line is within 3 metres of the water’s edge, and the event is timed for a low tide under a full moon.
- Start: 2am on Saturday 23 January 2027
- Distances: 50km solo, or a two-person relay of 25km each with the changeover at Busselton Jetty
- Entry: $70 solo, $60 for AURA members, $95 per relay team
It isn’t a trail race in the bush sense, but it sits naturally alongside these events as a summer adventure run. The relay is a fun way in if 50km on sand sounds like a lot. Details are on the Sandman 50 website.
Which summer trail race suits you?
- New to trails: John Forrest 4.3km (once confirmed) or Yaberoo 5km. Both are short, and Yaberoo’s midnight cut-off takes the pressure off.
- Stepping up from 10km: Yaberoo 15km or John Forrest 13km.
- First ultra: True Blue 50km, with frequent aid and a flat lapped course, or Yaberoo 50km if you want proper trail.
- Something different with a mate: the Sandman 50 relay.
Still want the Perth Trail Series? Running Calendar lists its summer events too, including Wallygrunta at Walyunga National Park on 3 January and Swissmurdie in Mundy Regional Park on 7 February 2027. Our guide to trail running in Western Australia covers the series and the best trails to train on.
How to run Perth trails safely in summer
Perth Metro’s long-term average January maximum is 31.2°C, according to the Bureau of Meteorology, and bushland trails can feel hotter than that with little shade or breeze.
Heat and fire
- Train early, keep long runs shorter than you would in winter, and slow down on hot days.
- Check Emergency WA for Fire Danger Ratings, Total Fire Bans and park closures before any bush run, and stay out of the bush on extreme or catastrophic days.
- Carry water on every trail run, not just race day.
Snakes and dieback
- Dugites and tiger snakes live in Perth bushland. If you see one, stop and back away slowly. A compression bandage in your vest is worth carrying.
- Dieback is a soil-borne plant disease that spreads in mud on shoes. Stay on marked trails and clean your shoes before and after.
Twilight running
For Yaberoo, practise running with a headlamp before race day so you’re used to judging footing in a narrow beam. Tell someone your route and expected finish time on any solo trail run.
If a niggle in your shins or knees hangs around during training, see a physio or GP rather than pushing through.
Gear for summer trail racing
You don’t need much, but the right few items make hot trail running far more comfortable:
- A hydration vest with soft flasks. Yaberoo requires a soft flask or keep-cup, and a vest lets you carry water, phone and a bandage. See the running vests in our shop, such as the UTOBEST 5L vest, which comes with two soft flasks.
- A headlamp for twilight starts and finishes.
- SPF50+ sunscreen, a cap and sunglasses. Browse sunscreen and running sunglasses.
Our summer running gear guide goes into more detail on staying cool.
Frequently asked questions
What trail races are on in Perth in summer 2027?
Beyond the Perth Trail Series, the main options are the John Forrest Trail Run (provisionally Sunday 7 February 2027) and the Yaberoo Trail Twilight Ultra (Saturday 13 February 2027). A little further afield, the True Blue Ultra in Australind (16 January) and the Sandman 50 in Dunsborough (23 January) are also on the calendar.
Is the Yaberoo Trail Ultra suitable for beginners?
Yes, the 5km and 10km are a friendly way into trail racing. Every distance has a midnight finish, and the course is described as relatively fast. You’ll need a headlamp and a soft flask or keep-cup.
How hot is it for summer trail races in Perth?
Perth Metro averages a January maximum of 31.2°C. That’s why many summer events start early, or late in the day like Yaberoo’s twilight format. Always check the forecast and Emergency WA before race day.
Do I need a headlamp for the Yaberoo Trail Twilight Ultra?
Yes. The organiser lists a headlamp as mandatory for every distance, including the 5km and 10km.
Can I walk these trail races?
The John Forrest Trail Run is listed as a run/walk event, and Yaberoo’s generous cut-offs suit walkers. Check each event’s rules for cut-off times before you enter.
Do I need to be a club member to enter?
No. The John Forrest Trail Run is open to WAMC members and non-members, and the other events are open entry. AURA members get discounts at True Blue Ultra and Sandman 50.
Plan your summer on the trails
Pick a race, lock in your entry, and find people to train with in our Perth run club directory, including the free Thursday evening Perth Trail Series runs in Kings Park. When you’re ready to kit up, visit the Perth Running Clubs shop for vests, sunscreen and summer essentials.
For more race dates, see the Running Calendar for Western Australia.
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