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Race guide · Victoria, Australia
How to train for the Buffalo Stampede
Bright to the Horn on Mount Buffalo and back: steep spurs, the Big Walk and rocky descents in Victoria's high country. Here's what to know and how to get ready.
Next race 19–21 Mar 2027 (100 km Sat 20 Mar, SkyMarathon Sun 21 Mar)
| Distance | Climb | Time limit | Start | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 km | 100 km | 4,800 m | 28:00 | Sat 6:00 AM |
| SkyMarathon | 42 km | 1,600 m | 10:30 | Sun 7:20 AM |
The 100 km starts and finishes at Pioneer Park in Bright and goes out to the Horn, Mount Buffalo's high point; finishing under 23 hours makes it a Western States 2028 qualifier. The SkyMarathon runs point to point from Mount Buffalo Chalet down to Bright (2,650 m of descent). Every aid station has a cutoff.
What makes it hard
The Big Walk
The Big Walk climbs about 1,000 m over 10 km to Mount Buffalo Chalet; the 100 km goes up it and later comes back down, and the SkyMarathon descends it.
Train for it: Long, sustained climbs and long descents, ideally back to back in the same run.
Steep spurs and ridges
Emily's Spur climbs 440 m in 1.7 km straight out of Bright, and Dingo Ridge climbs about 757 m in 6.3 km late in both races.
Train for it: Short, very steep hill repeats and power hiking, so the steepest grades feel normal.
Descents that add up
Snake Ridge, the Big Walk back down and the rocky, technical Middle Track (about 500 m) near the end all hit the quads.
Train for it: Practise fast descending on tired legs and build quad strength.
How long to train
Plan on 16–20 weeks for the 100 km, or 12–16 for the SkyMarathon, if you're already running regularly. The climbs are steep, so hiking strength matters as much as running.
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How much elevation gain is the Buffalo Stampede?
About 4,800 m for the 100 km (Bright to the Horn and back), and 1,600 m of climbing with 2,650 m of descent for the 42 km SkyMarathon, according to the organiser.
When is the Buffalo Stampede 2027?
19–21 March 2027 in Bright, Victoria. The 100 km starts at 6 AM on Saturday 20 March and the SkyMarathon at 7:20 AM on Sunday 21 March, according to the organiser.
Race facts checked October 22, 2026 against buffalostampede.au. Confirm dates and rules with the organiser. Vert.run is not affiliated with the race.