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 involved.

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

More than $90,000 raised in 2025

Since the Festival began in 2011, it has generated more than $500,000 for local charities, community organisations and community initiatives.

In 2025 alone, more than $90,000 was raised.

The 2026 goal: $100,000+

Your entry, sponsorship, volunteering and participation all help create that impact.

The community behind the Festival

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

In 2026, participating organisations include:

Water stations

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

Course & event support

• Health Voyage
• Coffs Coast Autism
• Coffs Coast Children’s Ward
• North Coast Special Olympics
• Lifeline North Coast
• Westpac Rescue Helicopter
• PCYC
• CanDo Cancer Trust
• The Run Beyond Project
• parkrun Australia

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

That means when you see volunteers on course, hand someone a cup of water or help bring the event together, you’re seeing the community behind the Festival.

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.

2026 Event Dates

Sunday, 30 August 2026

Entries opened on Sunday, 1 February 2026.

Online entries close 5:00pm (AEST) on 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)

Marathon: $105

Half Marathon: $65

10km Fun Run: $45

5km Fun Run/Walk: $25

3km Fun Run/Walk: $15

1km Fun Run/Walk Free

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

Marathon: $135

Half Marathon: $85

10km Fun Run: $55

5km Fun Run/Walk: $25

3km Fun Run/Walk: $15

1km Fun Run/Walk: Free

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

Marathon: $155

Half Marathon: $105

10km Fun Run: $65

5km Fun Run/Walk: $25

3km Fun Run/Walk: $15

1km Fun Run/Walk: Free

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

There are no late entries on Saturday 29 August or Sunday 30 August.

A FREE 1KM FOR KIDS

The 1km Kids Run/Walk is FREE in 2026.

Thanks to support from Healthy Communities Mid North Coast, 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 & Healthy Communities Mid North Coast 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 2027 event are available until 5:00pm on Friday, 28th August 2026.

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 free of charge 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, 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

.Race bib can be collected at at Coffs Harbour Showground at 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. They will need to know your name, date of birth and race distance entered.

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)

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 at Coffs Harbour Showground.

Sunday 30 August – 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

9:15am | Healthy Community Mid North Coast 1km Fun Run /Walk

9:30am | 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.

You don’t need to rush to the front.

Your individual race time starts when you cross the start line, using your timing chip.

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

If you’re racing for an overall podium position, you need to be at the start line for the starting gun.

Age-group results are calculated using chip time.

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

• 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 9:30am.

If you unsure if you will still be running at 9:30am, put the small numbered section from your race bib before you start.

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 9:30am.

Purchasing: Event 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: 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, 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 2026 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.

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/

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 (portable toilet. New for 2026) – 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

HQB Marathon: 15 water stations, including 6 full aid stations stoked with electrolytes, coca-cola, ginger beer, lollies and chips.

PSC Insurance Brokers 21.1km Half Marathon: 5 water stations, including 2 full aid stations stoked with electrolytes, coca-cola, ginger beer, lollies and chips.

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

Healthy Community Mid North Coast 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
• Food vendors
• Rotary BBQ
• Sports massage from Coffs Coast Sports Physiotherapy

Rotary’s BBQ proceeds go towards local community causes.

Bring the family. Stay for the atmosphere.

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

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

Parking is available on the large Showground oval (weather permitting) and in the area next to the Exhibition Pavilion.

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

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

Please do not park in restricted areas or block access roads, driveways or emergency access.

With a large number of 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

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 floating around the course for the duration of the event.

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

How do I follow a runner on course?

Live results will be published on race day, allowing family, friends and supporters to track runners as they progress around the course.

Live split points will be available for the following events when runners cross timing mats:

Baringa Private Hospital 10km – at 5.4km

PSC Insurance Brokers Half Marathon – at 9.5km, 14.1km & 16.4km 

HQB Marathon – at 9.5km, 14.1km, 17.8km, 22.4km, 27.7km, 32.3km & 37.6km

Unfortunately, we do not have distance markers on course.

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

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.

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

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 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.

Can I run with my pet?

Sorry, no. Animals aren’t permitted in the events due to course width and participant 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 1km & 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.