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Her Trails Coaching

Grampians Peaks Trail 50km
Program for Women

Mount Zero to Halls Gap

A structured 20-week training program built for the GPT50k, one of the most challenging 50km courses on the Australian trail calendar. Build the trail-specific fitness, technical confidence and pacing discipline to run from Mount Zero to Halls Gap on the northern Grampians Peaks Trail, supported by experienced coaches and a community of women preparing for the same race.

Duration

20 Weeks

Distance

49.5km

Elevation

Approx. 2,000m gain

Location

Grampians, Victoria

Race Date

5 November 2026

Access

Platform + App

The Course

Training for the GPT50k

The GPT50k may be the shortest race in the Grampians Peaks Trail festival, but it is widely regarded as one of the most challenging 50km courses in Australia. The race begins at Mount Zero with the iconic rock slab climb to reveal the Taipan Wall, then toggles between thin rocky trail and smooth dirt ribbon through waterfalls, exposed climbs to GAR and Mt Difficult, and the long descent through Wartook Lookout and Chatauqua Peak into Halls Gap.

With 2,000m of gain across 49.5km and a 13-hour cut-off, this is a long, technical day on exposed terrain. The program develops the trail-specific endurance, technical footwork, fuelling and mental durability to run it well, not simply to finish it.

The Course Sections

What you will actually run

The course breaks into four distinct sections, each with its own character and demands. Knowing what each one asks of you shapes how we train for it.

 

Section 1

Mt Zero to GAR Trailhead

Approx. 14km  |  Taipan Wall start

Launches at 6am with the iconic climb up the rock slab to reveal the world-famous Taipan Wall. The trail then toggles between thin rocky surface and smooth dirt ribbon, with many shorter climbs and descents through to the first aid station at GAR Trailhead. The character of the race is set in the first kilometre.

Demands: controlled early effort, attentive footing on uneven rock, pacing discipline before the harder middle sections

 

Section 2

Waterfalls to GAR/Mt Difficult

Long exposed climb  |  360 degree views

Numerous waterfalls give way to the long, exposed climb toward GAR/Mt Difficult. Most of this section sits high above the landscape with continual 360 degree views of the Grampians grandeur. Runners do not summit GAR itself but turn to descend a very technical and choppy trail before the climb continues.

Demands: sustained climbing on exposed terrain, fuelling and hydration through the heat, confident technical descending

 

Section 3

Mt Difficult Rd, the Crux

Rocky, slow grind  |  the test of the day

The trail toggles once again between smooth, runnable and very rocky and uneven as it climbs slowly and endlessly to the Mt Difficult Rd aid station. This is the crux of the race, the section that challenges every runner's will. The terrain is relentless, the effort sustained, and the finish still feels far away.

Demands: mental resilience deep in the race, disciplined fuelling, holding form on relentless rocky climbing

 

Section 4

Wartook Lookout to Halls Gap

Long descent  |  finish

A slower climb grinds up to Wartook Lookout where the four lakes and surrounding peaks open out. From there it is mostly downhill, a long descent on smooth trail toward Halls Gap. Turning left at Chatauqua Peak brings the first sense of the journey's end before the arboretum and caravan park lead into the town centre celebration.

Demands: confident descending on tired legs, late-race fuelling, finishing mindset across the final 10km

How We Train For It

Course-specific preparation, not generic endurance

Every element of this 20-week program is built around what the GPT50k actually asks of you. A 50km in the Grampians is a different race than a flat 50km, and the training is specific because the course is specific.

Long Technical Climbing

The climbs to GAR and Mt Difficult are long, exposed and relentless. Hill blocks build the sustained climbing capacity to hold form through Section 2 and grind out the crux at Mt Difficult Rd without falling apart.

Rocky Technical Footwork

The Grampians constantly toggles between smooth dirt ribbon and choppy rocky trail. Technique sessions train foot placement, cadence and quick decisions on uneven ground so the terrain does not slow you down or cost you balance late in the race.

Descending on Tired Legs

The long descent from Wartook to Halls Gap comes after seven to ten hours on course. Descending blocks and quad durability sessions build the legs to use this descent as a strength rather than survive it.

Fuelling Through The Heat

Exposed sections, limited water and a long day mean fuelling and hydration are non-negotiable. We rehearse race-day fuelling protocols across the long runs so what you eat, when and how much is settled well before race week.

Strength For Trail Durability

An integrated strength block builds durability through the hips, glutes, calves and ankles. Strong legs descend better, hold form under fatigue and reduce injury risk through the heaviest weeks of training.

The Crux at Mt Difficult

Every runner meets a low point on the climb to Mt Difficult Rd. The program includes specific mental rehearsal, race-simulation long runs and pacing work so that when the crux arrives you have already been there in training, and you know what to do.

What's Included

Everything you need, in one place

This program covers your running, strength, recovery and coaching from one integrated platform. Nothing is bolted on.

Training Program

  • ●Progressive 20-week GPT50k program
  • ●Technical trail and long-climb sessions for Grampians terrain
  • ●Integrated strength for runners program
  • ●Integrated mobility work for durability

Coaching + Community

  • ●Weekly live coaching calls, join live or watch replays
  • ●Fuelling, hydration and race-day execution guidance
  • ●A connected community of women preparing for the same race
  • ●Access to the Her Trails community for support and 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