The Coffs Harbour Running Festival is more than a race. It’s a community event that brings runners, families, volunteers, businesses and local organisations together — with funds generated through the Festival returned to those local charities and community organisations that help deliver the event.

The Festival is proudly organised by the Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour, which distributes funds to local charities and community organisations.

More than $100,000 raised in 2026 and more than $600,000 since 2011

In 2026, the Festival welcomed approximately 2,500 participants and generated more than $100,000 for local charities, community organisations and Rotary community initiatives.

Since the Festival began in 2011, more than $600,000 has been returned to the local community.

The community behind the Festival

Local organisations don’t simply receive support from the Festival – many help make the Festival happen.

In 2026, more than 15 local organisations were involved in delivering the event.

Water stations

• Life Education Australia (Coffs Harbour Support Group)
• Mid North Coast Disabled Surfers Association
• Early Connections Coffs Coast
• Bongil Bongil Youth Collective

Course & event support

• Health Voyage
• Coffs Coast Autism
• Coffs Coast Children’s Ward
• Coffs Harbour Scouts
• North Coast Special Olympics
• Lifeline North Coast
• Westpac Rescue Helicopter
• PCYC Coffs Harbour
• CanDo Cancer Trust
• The Run Beyond Project – as well as a financial donation, we provided over 60 free entries to kids participating in the The Run Beyond Project in 2026.
• parkrun Australia – we provided $8,600 to launch the Bongil Bongil parkrun in 2026

Every organisation has a direct role in helping deliver the Festival.

That means when you see volunteers on course, someone handing you a cup of water, marshals helping keep runners safe, or community organisations helping behind the scenes, you’re seeing the community behind the Festival in action.

When you enter the Coffs Harbour Running Festival, you’re not just paying for a race.

You’re helping support local organisations, create opportunities for community groups to raise funds, and bring thousands of people together in Coffs Harbour.

Whether you’re running 42.2km, walking 5km, volunteering at a water station or bringing the kids along, you’re part of something that reaches well beyond the finish line.

Want your organisation involved?

Local charities and community organisations interested in volunteering, supporting the Festival or becoming involved in future years can contact: hello@coffsrunfestival.com

Run. Celebrate. Give back.

2027 Event Dates

Sunday, 12 September 2027

Entries open

Entries will open 9:00am Saturday, 30th January 2027.

Entries close

Online entries close 5:00pm (AEST) on Friday, 10th September 2027.

No late entries

No late entries on Saturday, 11th September 2027 or Sunday, 12th September 2027.

Deferred 2026 entries

Anyone who has deferred their 2026 entry to 2027 will receive a unique entry code one week before general entries open, providing early access to secure their place in the 2027 event. If you ordered merchandise with your deferred entry, it will be available for pickup at the 2027 event.

48-Hour Launch Pricing (9:00am Saturday 30 January to 9:00am Monday 1 February 2027)

Marathon: $99

Half Marathon: $59

10km Fun Run: $39

5km Fun Run/Walk: $25

3km Fun Run/Walk: $15

1km Fun Run/Walk: Free

Standard Pricing (9:00am Monday 1 February to 9:00am Monday 16 August 2027)

Marathon: $125

Half Marathon: $79

10km Fun Run: $55

5km Fun Run/Walk: $25

3km Fun Run/Walk: $15

1km Fun Run/Walk: Free

Late Pricing (9:00am Monday 16 August to 9:00am Monday 6 September 2027)

Marathon: $145

Half Marathon: $99

10km Fun Run: $65

5km Fun Run/Walk: $29

3km Fun Run/Walk: $15

1km Fun Run/Walk: Free

Final Pricing (9:00am Monday 6 September to 5:00pm Friday 10 September 2027)

Marathon: $175

Half Marathon: $119

10km Fun Run: $75

5km Fun Run/Walk: $35

3km Fun Run/Walk: $19

1km Fun Run/Walk: Free

Online entries close at 5:00pm Friday 10 September 2027.

There are no late entries on Saturday 11 September or Sunday 12 September 2027.

A FREE 1KM FOR KIDS

The 1km Kids Run/Walk is FREE

Thanks to support from Coffs Kids in Motion, we’re giving kids the chance to experience the excitement of race day without an entry fee.

HQB Marathon: 18 years. 

PSC Insurance Brokers Half Marathon: 16 years. 

Baringa Private Hospital 10km Fun Run: 12 years.

Southern Cross University 5km, Key Community Group 3km & Coffs Kids in Motion 1km: No minimum age.

Participants under 10 years of age must run or walk with a responsible adult who is registered in the same event.

For insurance purposes, adults participating with children must be registered.

Children riding in prams or strollers in the 3km do not need to be registered, as they are considered non-participating.

Refunds

No refunds on entry fees or merchandise are available.

Note: Merchandise will not be posted if you withdraw the event. Uncollected merchandise after the event will not be posted or refunded.

Deferrals

Deferrals to the 2028 event are available until 5:00pm on Friday, 10th September 2027.

Note: Deferrals apply only to the next time the event is held and are not transferrable or refundable.

To request a deferral, email hello@coffsrunfestival.com

Deferred 2026 entries: Anyone who has deferred their 2026 entry to 2027 will receive a unique entry code one week before 2027 general entries open, providing early access to secure their place in the 2027 event.

Transfers

You can transfer your entry to someone else free of charge until 5:00pm on Friday, 10th September 2027.

Note: Selling or gifting entries must be arranged directly between you and the new runner. Organisers only process transfers once both parties agree.

To transfer your entry, email hello@coffsrunfestival.com with the new runner’s email address, first and last name, date of birth, gender, mobile and emergency contact information

Changing Distances

Upgrading your distance requires paying the price difference in entry fees.

No refunds are given for changing to a lower-priced event.

To change your distance, email hello@coffsrunfestival.com

Your race bib can be collected from the large Exhibition Hall at Coffs Harbour Showground (see Mud Map) at the following times:

Saturday, 11 September 2027

1:00pm – 5:00pm

Sunday, 12 September 2027

From 5:30am until 10 minutes before each race starts

For example, if you are running the 10km, which starts at 7:00am, you can collect your bib between 5:30am and 6:50am.

Someone else can collect your bib on your behalf. They will need to know your:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Race distance

What you receive

When you collect your bib, you will receive:

• Your race bib, which must be worn on the front of your clothing during the race
• Safety pins
• Any available sponsor promotional items

Give your old shoes another life

We’ve partnered with Sportspower Coffs Harbour and Tread Lightly — a national recycling initiative that responsibly recycles shoes to give them new life.

Bring a pair of clean and dry used sport or active lifestyle shoes to bib collection and we will pass them onto Tread Lightly to be responsibly recycled.

All distances start and finish on the Village Green at Coffs Harbour Showground at 123 Pacific Highway, Coffs Harbour.

Mud Map of Coffs Harbour Running Festival

Sunday 12 September – Race Start Times

6:00am | HQB Marathon

6:00am | PSC Insurance Brokers Half Marathon

7:00am | Baringa Private Hospital 10km Fun Run

8:30am | Southern Cross University 5km Fun Run / Walk

9:00am | Key Community Group 3km Fun Run / Walk

9:30am | Coffs Kids in Motion 1km Fun Run /Walk

9:45am | Presentation and Random Draw Prizes.

Race briefings take place five minutes before each start under the starting arch.

Please arrive with enough time to collect your bib, prepare and attend your briefing.

Course cut-off times apply to the Marathon and Half Marathon. See details on each specific distance pages.

How the Start & Timing Works

To help everyone get onto the course safely and smoothly, runners will be released from the start area in small groups every 1 minute.

You don’t need to rush to the front.

Where should I start?

Please position yourself according to your expected pace.

Faster runners: Start towards the front.

Slower runners and walkers: Start towards the back.

This helps runners settle into their own pace and reduces congestion, particularly during the first part of the course.

If you’re running for an overall podium position, you should be at the front of the start field for the starting gun.

How is my time calculated?

Your individual race time starts when your timing chip crosses the start line.

Overall male and female podium places are determined by gun time.

Age-group results are calculated using chip time.

Before race day, we strongly recommend looking at your course map on the distance page and becoming familiar with the route.

Each distance page includes:

• Course map
• GPX/Strava route
• Course description
• Water stations
• Toilets
• Key turns
• Important course information

GPS is a guide — not a measuring tool

Your Garmin, Apple Watch, Strava or other GPS device will likely record a distance that is slightly different from the official race distance.

GPS accuracy can be affected by:

• Trees
• Buildings
• Turns
• The line you run
• Signal conditions

The Coffs Creek Walkway can particularly affect GPS accuracy under tree cover.

Prizes

Overall Male & Female Winners: Event engraved glass, event T-Shirt, and event hat + name engraved on a perpetual trophy.

Top 3 Male/Female Finishers: Event engraved glass and an event T-Shirt.

1st, 2nd or 3rd Place in Age Categories: Event hat

Note – No age categories or perpetual trophy for the 3km or 1km

Random Draw Prizes

Every runner has a chance to win.

For 2026, the random draw prizes for each of the distances include:

• 10 x $200 Vouchers for Brooks Running shoes (2 drawn per distance)
• Refined Wellness & Recover gift vouchers

To enter the random draw

1. Tear off the small numbered section from your race bib.
2. Place it in the corresponding draw box at the presentation stage near the finish line.
3. Be there for the presentation at 9:45am.

If you expect to still be on the course when presentations begin, place the numbered section from your race bib in the appropriate draw box before your race starts.

All prizes must be collected at the presentation and we do not post out any prizes.

All Marathon runners are automatically entered in the random draw as many marathon runners will still be on course at 9:45am.

Purchasing: Event T-shirts and singlets are available for purchase when you enter online. Online orders close 9:00am Monday 16th August 2027. They are also available for purchase at the event on Saturday, 11th September 2027, between 1:00pm and 5:00pm, and on Sunday, 12th September 2027, but there is no guarantee your size will be available. If you ordered merchandise and deferred your 2026 entry, it will be available for pickup at the 2027 event.

Cost: Event T-shirts and singlets cost $50 each. They are lightweight, quick-dry, and stylish, available in standard sizes for ladies, men, and kids. Discounted T-shirts and singlets from previous years are typically available for purchase at the event.

Collection: T-shirts and singlets can only be collected at bib collection on Saturday, 11th September 2027, from 1:00pm to 5:00pm, and on Sunday, 12th September 2027, at the event. No refund will be provided if T-shirts and singlets are not collected at bib collection.

Shipping: T-shirts and singlets will not be posted out, whether ordered or won as prizes.

We offer medals for all finishers of all distances. Please note: For the 1km event, children will receive a medal. Parents and guardians accompanying children must also be registered, but will not receive a medal.

The medals are made from bamboo wood, with the race distance featured on both the front of the medal and the ribbon. 

If you do not wish to receive a medal, simply advise volunteers at the finish line. Any uncollected medals will be reused or repurposed wherever possible to minimise waste.

There will be a medal waiting for you at the finish line, no matter which distance you take on.

Toilets

Toilets are available at the start/finish area at Coffs Harbour Showground, with additional toilets available at various locations along the courses.

Additional toilet facilities are located at:

• Botanic Gardens – 3km, 5km, 10km, 21km & 42.2km course
• Hogbin Drive underpass  – 5km, 10km 21km & 42.2km course
• Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary – 10km, 21km & 42.2km course
• Saltwater Park – 10km, 21km & 42.2km course
• Fisherman’s Co-op – 21km & 42.2km course
• Jetty Foreshores – 21km & 42.2km course
• Coffs Harbour Boatramp – 21km & 42.2km course

Please note that toilets are located at different points along each course, so runners should familiarise themselves with the facilities available on their particular route before starting.

Water Stations

All water stations and the finish line will be stocked with water, Endura Lemon Lime electrolytes, coca-cola, ginger beer, lolly snakes and salted chips.

HQB Marathon: 15 water stations 2.8km, 9.7km, 14.3km, 18km, 19.8km, 22.4km, 25.1km, 27.9km, 29.7km, 32.3km, 35km, 37.8km and 39.6km 

PSC Insurance Brokers Half Marathon: 5 water stations at 2.8km, 9.7km, 14.3km, 16.6km and 18.5km

Baringa Private Hospital 10km Run: 3 water stations at 2.8km, 5.6km and 7.4km

Southern Cross University 5km Fun Run/Walk: 2 water stations at 1.6km and 2.2km.

Key Community Group 3km Fun Run/Walk: 1 water station at 1.6km

Coffs Kids in Motion 1km Fun Run / Walk: No water station.

Please see the specific locations for water stations on each distance page. 

Don’t Just Run. Stay a While.

The finish line is where the Festival comes together.

Once you’ve finished, grab a drink, find a spot on the grass or grandstands, get some food and cheer the other runners home.

There will be:

• Water
• Bananas
• Watermelon
• Coffee vendors
• Food vendors
• Rotary BBQ
• Sports massage from Coffs Coast Sports Physiotherapy

Rotary’s BBQ proceeds go towards local charities involved.

Bring the family. Stay for the atmosphere.

The Coffs Harbour Running Festival starts and finishes at Coffs Harbour Showground at 123 Pacific Highway, Coffs Harbour

Parking is located at the Coffs Harbour Showground and typically fills up before 7:00am on event morning.

Mud Map of Coffs Harbour Running Festival

Please follow the directions of parking marshals when you arrive and allow extra time to find a park and make your way to the event precinct.

If the Showground car park is full, please do not continue driving around looking for a space. Park in one of the alternative areas below and walk approximately 5 minutes to the event precinct.

Alternative parking areas:

If the Showground car park is full, or parking on the large Showground oval is not allowed due to wet weather, alternative parking options include:

• Castle Street multi-storey car park
• Coffs Harbour Olympic Pool / Fitzroy Oval Area
• Marcia St (behind Council Depot)

View map of parking options around Coffs Harbour City Centre

Please:

• Follow the directions of parking marshals and traffic controllers.
• Do not park in restricted areas or block access roads, driveways or emergency access.
• Allow extra time to park and walk to the event precinct.
• Consider carpooling where possible.
• If you are arriving after the Showground parking has filled, go directly to the alternative parking areas rather than queuing or circulating around the Showground.

With more than 2,500 participants and spectators expected, arriving early is strongly recommended.

You don’t have to run to be part of race day.

The Festival is powered by hundreds of people from the Coffs Coast.

From the water stations to the finish line, volunteers are the people who make the experience possible.

There are roles for everyone

• Water stations
• Course marshalling
• Registration
• Bib collection
• Finish line
• Event hub
• Setup & pack-down

You don’t need to be a runner. You just need to bring some energy, have a good time and help someone else have a great race.

Come for the community. Stay for the atmosphere.

To volunteer, contact: hello@coffsrunfestival.com

While Coffs Harbour Running Festival doesn’t offer official coaching, many festival participants train with Annabelle Swainston.

Annabelle is based in Coffs Harbour and is a Athletics Australia accredited Recreational Running Coach.

Annabelle has competed in all our events, won the ‘Queen of the Creek’ in 2023 and knows the courses inside out.

She offers personalised, flexible coaching programs for runners of all levels, from beginners to advanced

What’s Included:

• Tailored training plans via TrainingPeaks
• Unlimited plan adjustments to suit your schedule
• Regular one-on-one support (in person, text, or call)
• Goal setting, race strategy, and mental resilience coaching

Interested? Contact Annabelle at: annabelle.swainston@gmail.com

Southern Cross University also have a 8-week training program produced by Dr Chris Stevens, Senior Lecturer from the Faculty of Health.

Pick from the 3 levels available:

• Beginner: For those who cannot yet run 30mins continuously
• Intermediate: For those who can run 30mins continuously
• Advanced Program: Designed for women who can run 10 km in 60 min and men who can run 10 km in 50 min

More details are at: https://www.scu.edu.au/training-guide/

Can I listen to music while I run?

Yes — but you must be able to hear your surroundings.

Open-ear or bone-conduction headphones such as Shokz are recommended.

Is there medical help on course?

Many volunteers will be stationed along the course to assist you if needed and all water stations will have a first aid kit.

Professional First Aid Officers will be present at the start line and around the course for the duration of the event.

NSW Ambulance will be on call in case of emergencies.

We don’t have official distance markers or pacers.

With multiple distances running in the same direction, placing accurate and clearly visible distance markers for every distance is difficult and impractical.

We will have 4km, 3km, 2km & 1km to go signs for the 10km, Half Marathon and Marathon and 2km and 1km to go signs for the 5km. 

We recommend using your watch or GPS device to track your distance throughout the race. Please note that the Coffs Creek Walkway can impact GPS accuracy under the trees.

Where can I find my race photos?

Race photos are FREE for all participants!

Our photographers will be capturing runners throughout the Festival, and photos will be uploaded to our Flickr gallery after the event.

You can browse, download and share your race photos with family and friends — there is no charge for participant photos.

View the Coffs Harbour Running Festival Flickr gallery

Is there a Finish Line Drop Bag Facility?

Yes, there will be a bag drop in the bib collection area.

However, the Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour is not responsible for your gear.

Please label all items with your name and ensure valuable items are not left here.

Can I bring a marquee?

Yes marquees are welcome but contact the Event Director prior at hello@coffsrunfestival.com

There will be marquees set up at the finish, but there is not enough shelter for every runner.

Bring your own marquee and a picnic mat or rug.

Can I walk the event?

Walking is welcome in the 1km, 3km, 5km, and 10km.

Position yourself within the start field relative to your pace, stay left and be courteous.

The Half Marathon and Marathon have course cut-offs and are designed as running events.

What isn’t permitted on the course?

 Roller blading, skating, cycling, skipping and Nordic pole walking are not permitted in any event.

Animals are also not permitted due to participant numbers.

If you require an assistance animal for medical reasons, please contact hello@coffsrunfestival.com before race day

Are strollers, prams or wheelchairs allowed?

Wheelchairs are permitted, but please note that sections of the course are bumpy and may include roots, gravel, and bush trails. Please contact the Race Director at hello@coffsrunfestival.com before race day

Strollers and prams are allowed in the 1km & 3km Run/Walk only and must start at the back of the field. Parents and guardians are responsible for the safety of themselves and other runners.

Children riding in prams or strollers do not need to be registered, as they are considered non-participating. If parents want their child to receive a medal, official time and finisher’s certificate, they must be entered and the entry fee paid. 

What if I have an accessibility or special assistance requirement?

We want everyone to have the opportunity to participate where possible.

If you have an accessibility requirement, mobility consideration or other special circumstance you’d like us to be aware of, please contact the Race Director at hello@coffsrunfestival.com before race day so we can discuss the course and available options.

What happens if I can’t finish my race?

If you are unable to finish your event, please notify the nearest marshal, event volunteer, Race Director or the timing tent where possible.

For safety and timing purposes, please do not simply leave the course, besides a bathroom break, without letting an event official know.