Event Date: Sunday, 30 August 2026

Entries will open Sunday, 1 February 2026.

Online entries close 5:00pm Friday, 28th August 2026.

No late entries on Saturday, 29th August 2026 or Sunday, 30th August 2026.

Standard Pricing (Opening until Tuesday 4th August 2026)

HQB Marathon: $105 

PSC Insurance Brokers Half Marathon: $65 

Baringa Private Hospital 10km Fun Run: $45

Southern Cross University 5km Fun Run/Walk: $25

Key Community Group 3km Fun Run/Walk: $15

Late Pricing (Tuesday 4th August 2026 to Tuesday 25th August 2026)

HQB Marathon: $135 

PSC Insurance Brokers Half Marathon: $85

Baringa Private Hospital 10km Fun Run: $55

Southern Cross University 5km Fun Run/Walk: $25

Key Community Group 3km Fun Run/Walk: $15

Final Pricing (Tuesday 25th August 2026 until Entries Close)

HQB Marathon: $155 

PSC Insurance Brokers Half Marathon: $105 

Baringa Private Hospital 10km Fun Run: $65

Southern Cross University 5km Fun Run/Walk: $25

Key Community Group 3km Fun Run/Walk: $15

HQB Marathon: 18 years. 

PSC Insurance Brokers Half Marathon: 16 years. 

Baringa Private Hospital 10km Fun Run: 12 years.

Southern Cross University 5km and Key Community Group 3km: No minimum age. Under 10 years must run/walk with a responsible adult who is also registered in the event.

For insurance purposes, all adults running with children must register. 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 2027 event are available until 5:00pm on Friday, 28th August 2025.

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

Transfers

You can transfer your entry to someone else until 5:00pm on Friday, 28th August 2026.

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, full 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

Race bib can be collected at at Coffs Harbour Showground during the following times:

• Saturday, 29th August 2026: 2:00pm to 4:00pm
• Sunday, 30th August 2026: From 5:30am until 10 minutes before your race starts.

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

Someone else can collect your race bib on your behalf.

When you collect your race bib you will be given:

• Your race number (must be worn on the front during the race)
• Safety pins
• Any promotional items from sponsors (if available)

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 at Coffs Harbour Showground.

Race briefings occur 5 minutes before the start under the starting arch.

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: Presentation and Random Draw Prizes.

Note: There is a ‘rolling start’ to minimise congestion on course. All times are ‘chip’ time (time when you cross the line).

If you want to place top 3 male or female overall, you must start when the ‘gun’ goes off.

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

Random draw prizes

For 2025, the random draw prizes for each of the distances included:

• Vouchers for Brooks Running shoes

• Vouchers for Athletes Foot Coffs Harbour

To enter the random draw, tear off the section at the bottom left corner of your race bib.

Place this section in your respective random draw box, located on the presentation stage near the finish line.

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

Purchasing: T-shirts and singlets are available for purchase when you enter online. Online orders close on 28th July 2026. They are also available for purchase at the event on Saturday, 29th August 2026, between 2:00pm and 4:00pm, and on Sunday, 30th August 2026, but there is no guarantee your size will be available.

Cost: T-shirts and singlets cost $50. 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, 29th August 2026, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm, and on Sunday, 30th August 2026, 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.

For 2026 we will be offering medals for all runners of all distances.

The medals are made of bamboo wood with the distance on the front and on the ribbon.

While Coffs Harbour Running Festival doesn’t offer official coaching, many of our runners 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/

Toilets: Available at the start/finish area at Coffs Harbour Showground and along the course near at:

• Dolphin Marine Conservation Park
• Saltwater Park
• Botanic Gardens
• Fisherman’s Co-op
• Jetty Foreshores
• Coffs Harbour Boatramp

Water Stations

HQB Marathon: 15 water stations, including 6 full aid stations.

PSC Insurance Brokers 21.1km Half Marathon: 5 water stations.

Baringa Private Hospital 10km Run: 3 water stations.

Southern Cross University 5km Fun Run/Walk: 2 water stations.

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

Parking at Coffs Harbour Showground typically fills up before 7am.

Other parking options include:

• Castle St multi car park
• Coffs St Olympic Pool Area
• Marcia St (behind Council Depot)

Volunteers are most welcome at the C.ex Group Coffs Harbour Running Festival.

There are plenty of volunteer roles to fill.

Please email hello@coffsrunfestival.com

Can I listen to music while I run?

Yes, but only with headphones that let you to hear your surroundings (e.g. Shokz)

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 floating around the course for the duration of the event.

The NSW Ambulance Service will be on call in case of emergencies.

Do I need to register if I am running with my kid?

For insurance purposes, all adults running with children must register. Children riding in prams or strollers do not need to be registered, as they are considered non-participating.

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 ride my bike, or have someone ride alongside me while I run?

No. Roller blading, skating, cycling, skipping and nordic pole walking are not permitted in any event

What is the Tread Lightly initiative?

We’ve partnered with Sportspower Coffs Harbour, who will collect your unwanted sport and active lifestyle footwear and pass them on to Tread Lightly — a national recycling initiative that responsibly recycles shoes to give them new life.

Bring a pair of used running shoes (clean and dry) to bib collection and we will pass them onto Tread Lightly.

Can I walk the event?

Walkers are allowed in the 3km, 5km, and 10km events.

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

Walkers are not permitted in the 21.1km or 42.2km event.

Can I run with my dog?

No animals of any kind are allowed in any events due to the width of the course and race numbers.

If required for medical assistance please contact hello@coffsrunfestival.com prior to race day

Is there anything to do post-race?

Sit back, relax and cheer the other runners home.

There will be food and drink options available, including a BBQ provided by the Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour. All proceeds from the BBQ will go to local charities.

Matt and his team from Coffs Coast Sports Physiotherapy will be present to offer sports massages.

Are strollers, prams or wheelchairs allowed?

Wheelchairs: Permitted, but note that the course is bumpy with roots, gravel, and bush trails. Please contact the Race Director at hello@coffsrunfestival.com prior to race day.

Strollers: Allowed in the 3km Run/Walk only and must start at the back of the field. Parents 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 an official time and finisher’s certificate, they must enter and pay the entry fee.