Her Trails Coaching

Roller Coaster 12km
Program for Women

The Roller Coaster 12km is short on paper, but 574 metres of elevation in the Dandenong Ranges asks for rhythm, restraint, and confidence across constantly shifting terrain. This program builds the climbing power, descent control and pacing awareness the course actually demands, so you arrive at Kalorama feeling steady and ready to run your own race.

Program

14 Weeks

Race Date

17 Oct 2026

Distance

12.4km

Elevation

574m+

Location

Kalorama, Dandenongs, VIC

Start

6:00 PM Twilight

The Course

Running the Roller Coaster 12km

The Roller Coaster 12km starts and finishes at Kalorama Memorial Reserve in the Dandenong Ranges, one hour east of Melbourne. True to its name, the course never flattens out. It moves from quiet roads into steep forest climbs, along exposed ridgelines, through zig-zag descents under Mountain Ash and rainforest ferns, and back up again before returning to the event village. The 574 metres of elevation gain across just 12.4 kilometres gives this course one of the steepest vert-per-kilometre ratios of any short trail race in Victoria.

This is a twilight race. It starts at 6pm in October, which means you will likely finish sections of the course in fading light or full darkness. A head torch is mandatory. The forest canopy accelerates the transition from dusk to dark, and the terrain underfoot demands attention even when visibility narrows.

This course sits close to Her Trails HQ. Much of our group running and coaching experience lives on the same style of trails in the Dandenongs. We know how this terrain feels underfoot, and we coach accordingly.

The Three Sections

What you will actually run

The 12.4km course packs three distinct sections into a compact loop, each with its own character and demand.

Section 1

Kalorama to Observatory Summit

~4km | Road to steep climb

Departs the event village along Hands Road and Jasper Road before entering the forest at Old Coach Road. The opening is runnable and fast, which makes it tempting to burn energy early. Then comes Observatory Track: 130 metres of elevation gain over just 350 metres of trail at a 35% grade. It is hands-on-knees hiking, and it is the steepest section on the entire course.

Demands: pacing restraint on the opening roads, efficient steep hiking, settling heart rate before the ridge

Section 2

Observatory to Singleton Terrace

~3.8km | Ridge traverse + descent

Turns onto Kyeema Track and traverses the hillside with views from Burkes Lookout, then drops into the zig-zag descent through tall Mountain Ash and rainforest ferns. This is the most scenic and most technical section of the course. The descent is fast and flowing if you trust your footing, but the forest floor and fading light demand concentration. The aid station at Singleton Terrace marks the transition into the return leg.

Demands: confident descent on forest trails, foot placement through ferns and leaf litter, managing speed in fading light

Section 3

Singleton Terrace to Finish

4.6km | 217m gain | Return to Kalorama

Just when you think the climbing is done, it is not. Dacite Track and Fireline Track deliver a second sustained climb before the singletrack of Banksia Track leads into a gradual ascent toward Kalorama Park. The final kilometres return via Old Coach Road, Jasper Road and Hands Road to the event village. This section rewards runners who kept something in reserve through the first 8 kilometres.

Demands: climbing power on fatigued legs, sustained effort through the second ascent, finishing with composure

How We Train For It

Course-specific preparation, not generic fitness

Every element of this 14-week program is built around what the Roller Coaster 12km actually asks of you. Cycle-aware adaptation is built in, and approximately 80% of sessions sit at conversational effort.

Phase 1

Foundation

Aerobic consistency, strength habits and familiarity with steep terrain

Phase 2

Race Preparation

Intensity, pacing practice and taper

Steep Climbing Efficiency

Observatory Track at 35% grade is a hands-on-knees hike, and the second ascent on Dacite Track arrives when your legs are already spent.

●Hike steeply without spiking your heart rate
●Manage transitions from hiking back into running
●Sustain climbing effort across repeated ascents

Descent Control in Forest

The zig-zag descent through Mountain Ash and ferns is fast and flowing, but leaf litter, roots and fading light narrow the margin for error.

●Foot placement on variable forest terrain
●Quad preservation on sustained downhill
●Relaxed, confident movement rather than braking

Twilight Running

A 6pm start in October means the forest canopy darkens quickly.

●Head torch familiarity and depth perception on uneven ground
●Mental shift for running in reduced visibility
●Evening sessions in the final weeks so fading light feels familiar

Roller Coaster Pacing

574 metres of elevation in 12 kilometres means the terrain never stops asking questions.

●Run by effort rather than pace
●Stay relaxed through the undulations
●Keep enough in reserve for the final climb to Kalorama

Running Your Own Race

The Roller Coaster is compact and social, and the atmosphere at the start can push you into someone else's pace.

●A pacing plan you trust
●Confidence to let others go early
●Composure to finish knowing you are exactly where you need to be

What's Included

Everything you need, in one place

Coached by a team built by and for women, on trails we run ourselves. You are coached in real time as a whole runner, not just following a plan. Your week is released each Saturday so you meet each week where you are.

Training Program

●Structured run sessions designed for rolling elevation, steep climbs and runnable descents
●Strength and stability work to support efficient climbing and controlled descending
●Mobility and recovery sessions to absorb load and stay resilient
●Fuelling and hydration guidance for a compact, high-intensity effort

Coaching + Community

●Weekly live coaching calls, join live or watch replays
●Cycle-aware adaptation with flex days for energy and load management
●Private community of runners preparing for the same event
●Access to the Her Trails community for ongoing connection

Also Worth Considering

Training for more than one goal this season?

Instead of purchasing individual programs, many runners choose the Her Trails All-In Membership for broader training support across the year. If you plan to complete more than one program this season, the All-In Membership is usually the most cost-effective option and gives our coaching team the ability to support you as you transition between races, training blocks and recovery periods.

Best Value

Her Trails All-In Membership

$220 / quarter

✓Access to every Her Trails program including trail, road and strength
✓Community and coaching platform with weekly coaching calls
✓Strength and mobility training for runners
✓Coaching support between races and training blocks
✓Ongoing community support and accountability
✓Discounts on merchandise and selected partner opportunities

Explore the All-In Membership

Ways to access this program

You can join the Roller Coaster 12km training program in the way that best fits your season, goals, and level of support.

Option 1: Standalone Program

Best if the Roller Coaster 12km is your primary focus this season.

You’ll receive full access to the Roller Coaster 12km training program, including structured run sessions, strength and mobility work, weekly coaching calls, and access to the program community, all delivered through the Her Trails app.

Option 2: Her Trails All-In Membership

Ideal if you want ongoing coaching and flexibility beyond a single event.

The All-In Membership includes this program, plus access to all race-specific and all-season programs, Base Camp, Strength for Runners, and weekly Pro Coaching calls.

Many runners choose this option if they enjoy staying connected to structured training and community across multiple goals.

Learn more about the All-In Membership →

Unsure which option is right for you? Reach out at [email protected] and we’ll help you choose what best supports where you are right now.