Bull said the gruelling 56-kilometre trek had been challenging but very fulfilling.

The Northcote resident said she was surprised by her triumph. "I was just hoping to have a good run - I didn't expect to do as well as I have," the 30 year old said.

Bull, who only took up trail running seriously 18 months ago, works full-time and has been running up to 80 kilometres a week in preparation for the Dromana-to-Cape Schanck run.

For Bull, trail running is a release. She describes the sport as a "hobby" despite the all-consuming nature of the training requirements.

"It is just a hobby. The thing I love about the trails is the freedom of the bushland and navigating through it.

"It's very technical running - you fly down crazy hills and work hard going up and down. It just gives you a really big buzz in life."

It wasn't all smooth sailing for Bull, who finished the race in four hours and 57 minutes, with several scratches and plenty of dirt as a trophy for her efforts. "I had two falls - I was covered in dirt by the end of it."

The next female across the line was Louise Sharp, with Colleen Middleton in third place.

Mick Donges won the men's 56-kilometre event in four hours and 15 minutes after an enthralling battle with Magnus Michellson, who finished second.

Dan Hornery won the 28-kilometre men's event in one hour and 52 minutes, followed by Matthew Johnson and Campbell Maffett. Tracey Austin won the ladies' 28-kilometre event from Andrea Hopkin and Liz Limpens.