Stats
As with all figures, these are from my own information I could gather but seem to agree with most other runners as far as I can tell. Always check the web site in case things change!
Web Site: Trail Running Company
Distance: 99km point to point
Elevation: 3200m
Runners: 60 to 80
Weather: From cold, windy and wet to hot and dry. People have known to start in warm wet weather gear some years and run out of water on course in others - hence the strict mandatory gear.
Mandatory Gear: 2 litres water, phone, map, compression bandage, space blanket, waterproof jacket, thermal top, emergency food, whistle, compass, torch, backup torch, reflective vest.
Web Site: Trail Running Company
Distance: 99km point to point
Elevation: 3200m
Runners: 60 to 80
Weather: From cold, windy and wet to hot and dry. People have known to start in warm wet weather gear some years and run out of water on course in others - hence the strict mandatory gear.
Mandatory Gear: 2 litres water, phone, map, compression bandage, space blanket, waterproof jacket, thermal top, emergency food, whistle, compass, torch, backup torch, reflective vest.
Course
Elevation Profile
The hills over the Great Ocean Walk are fairly constant and there isn't a great deal of flat running except for the beach. The next section is a break down of each of the main sections of course and how I would recommend you approach them.
The Great Ocean Walk course is great, but really adds up, especially in the second last leg with so many steep ups and downs, even if they are shorter. You really need to pace yourself for the first 50km below what you think you could manage in order to use some of that reserve in the second half. Appropriate gear and hydration is critical to keep yourself in good form. While there is sand in several spots, I don't think sand running is essential and focusing on hills for this event would pay off really well unless you're trying to go for a particular time in which case you'd probably add some speed work as well. For us just trying to survive, more hill strength and tolerance is key though I would suggest.
Summary
Break Down
This section focuses on what the course is like and how I think I would run it, rather than navigation. For that I highly recommend checking the using the map with the course notes (from the web site) and a compass or getting the Avenza PDF Maps app and purchasing the Great Ocean Road map ($3.79) and importing the course as a KML to show the actual course route overlaid.
CP1 - Blanket Bay - 21.5km
Getting across to Blanket Bay isn't actually too bad. You start out fairly flat for 4 kms and drop on and off the beach with some smaller hills before climbing steadily inland for the first main climb, then a rapid descent down into Blanket Bay. The stretches of beach here are soft, but short and quite easily manageable. The track is mostly wide on the main climb and never too sharp an incline from memory. The descent is pretty quick though and I think I got carried away and pushed too hard on them more than anything.
CP2 - Aire River - 41km
The next stretch is pretty reasonable but has a few more shorter and sharper climbs and descents scattered throughout, but generally is quite runnable. Some great scenery and no major climbs keeps you moving pretty well.
CP3 - Johanna - 55km
Things get a bit more interesting along this stretch as there are a few more climbs and then the longest stretch of sand (just over 2km), which is fairly soft and uneven. Best to walk it unless you can find something fairly solid. Then you hit the end of Johnna Beach and CP3 and the real fun begins...
CP4 - The Gables - 80km
This for me was where everything came undone due to several reasons. First, by this time you will have the majority of the sun for the day setting in and be quite exposed. Second, if you've over-done it earlier on or ran assuming it would remain about the same effort then you will be really feeling it. Third, this is where the nasty hills kick in and are short and sharp, and numerous. The good news is that if you keep on top of hydration, keep yourself cool and pace through here, it gets easier after CP4. Don't try to keep up a pace, just get it done. I highly recommend you take in some caffeine at CP4 like I had to in order to pick yourself up and get the final leg finished.
Finish - Twelve Apostles - 99km
This final stretch isn't too bad, but you've got a bit over 5km of shorter but still sharp hills at the start before it starts to ease off. With any luck you've paced well and have something left in the tank and the caffeine will kick in and get you through to the end. I ran with a friend over this leg and broke it down into 12km then 7km rather than trying to count down 19km which seemed impossible by this stage.
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