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 further back in third place.

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

Dan Hornery won the 28km men's event in a time of one hour and 52 minutes, followed by Matthew Johnson and Campbell Maffett. Tracey Austin won the ladies' 28km event and was followed by Andrea Hopkin and Liz Limpens.