Frequently Asked Questions

Entries for the 2024 event open in April 2024

Online entries close Friday, September 6th 2024 at 9:00am.

Late entries are available in person at Coffs Harbour Showground on Saturday, September 7th 2024 between 14:00-16:00.

Each late entry incurs an additional $10 fee for all distances.

No late entries on Sunday 8th September 2024 on the day of the event.

No. Payment is compulsory at time of entry. Entries without payment will not be accepted.

HQB Half Marathon: $55 

Baringa Private Hospital 10km Fun Run: $35

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

Key Employment 3km Fun Run/Walk:  $15

Coffs Coast Kia Nyami and Jaanybarr 36.1km (first female and male of the Creek): $70

An additional $10 late entry fee will occur for all entries on Saturday 7th September 2024 between 14:00-16:00 for all distances

HQB Half Marathon & Nyami and Jaanybarr 36km is 16 years. 

Baringa Private Hospital 10km Fun Run is 12 years.

There are no minimum age requirements for the Southern Cross University 5km and Key Employment 3km.

Age is taken as of Sunday 8th September 2024

No, there are no refunds for non-starters or non-finishers.

When you enter online, you are accepting the terms and conditions of entry ‘Once my Entry Application has been accepted, I am not entitled to a refund or credit of any nature, including cancellation of the Event, or races within the Event due to bad weather, personal circumstances, bereavement, hardship, infectious diseases or any other reason whatsoever’.

Yes you can transfer your entry to someone else but not after the event has occurred.

Yes deferrals are allowed but not after the event has occurred.

Yes, entries can be transferred between events up until 4:00pm on Saturday 7th September 2024 but not on Race Day.

A fee difference must be paid if changing to a higher fee event. 

There will not be any refunds for changing to a lower fee event.

Race bib collection will take place at the Coffs Harbour Showground on Saturday 7th September 2024 from 14:00 – 16:00 or Sunday 8th September 2024 from 05.45am.

You will be given your race number and promotional items by sponsors if available. 

Your race number MUST be worn on the front of your torso for the duration of the race. 

Safety pins are provided.

Yes. Someone else can collect your race bib on your behalf.

7:00am: Baringa Private Hospital 10km Fun Run and the 36.1km Nyami and Jaanybarr (first female and male of the Creek)

8:10am: HQB Half Marathon

10:30am: Southern Cross University 5km Fun Run / Walk

10:45am: Key Employment 3km Fun Run / Walk

11:00am: Presentation and random draw prizes

The race starts and finishes at Coffs Harbour Showground.

The race briefing is held 5 minutes before each race starts at the start line.

We are conducting all the events on the Coffs Creek Walkway which narrows at times so therefore have to spread the starting times out so all participants can enjoy the experience.

The reason for the extensive difference between the starting times is also to enable the participants who do, for example, the 5km event time to finish and do the 3km event with their kids. 

The Coffs Coast Kia Nyami & Jaanybarr 36.1km is where runners complete the 10km, followed by the 21.1km and finally the 5km.

Other events call this the ‘Triple Challenge’. 

Yes.

Due to the narrow paths and twists on the course, there runners must complete each distance before their next distance starts. If the 10km or 21.1km are not completed by the next distance, then runners will be unable to continue

Leg 1 Cut Off: Runners must finish the 10km by 08:10am (1hr 10mins) and start with the 21.1km event.

Leg 2 Cut Off: Runners must finish the 21.1km by 10:30am (2hr 20mins) and start with the 5km event.

There is not cut off to complete the 5km.

No.

Unlike other ‘Triple Challenges’, at the Coffs Harbour Running Festival all 36.1km runners must start when the 10km starts (7:00am), 21.1km starts (8:10am) and 5km starts (10:30am). This is due to the narrowness of the course with many twists and turns.

Leg 1 – 10km. Starts at 07:00am

Leg 2 – 21.1km. Starts at 08:10am

Leg 3 – 5km. Starts at 10:30am

Race briefings occur at the start line 10 minues prior to each race start.

Runners who finish an event before the start of the next event start will have the opportunity to rest until the start of the next race. 

Yes. Runners will also be eligible for overall and age category placing for the 10km, 21.1km and 5km as well as top 3 overall in the 36.1km.

You will get your name listed on the Honour Roll on the website.

The 36.1km field is much smaller than our other distances and some age brackets in the 36.1km do not have competitors.

Age category prizes may be added in the future as the event grows.

No we don’t. We have not had race medals for the last 10 years, bar one time in 2019 for the 21.1km only.

All participants will receive a digital Certificate of Achievement that they can print off after completing the event.

In 2023 we had the following random draw prizes for each of the five distances:

• 10 x vouchers for Brooks Running shoes

• 10 x vouchers for Athletes Foot Coffs Harbour

To be in the draw for a random prize, simply tear off the section at the bottom left corner of your race bib and place in your respective random draw box located prior to the presentation start.

The random draw boxes will be located on the presentation stage near the finish line.

No sorry. You must be at the presentation at 11:00am to collect your prize.

You will get a prize.

36.1km, 21.1km, 10km and 5km male and female overall winners will get their name engraved on a perpetual trophy. 

The top three males and females in each event will get a prize

Top three in each age category will get a prize.

T-Shirts and singlets are available for purchase when you enter online. Online order t-shirt and singlet orders close 1st August 2024.

T-Shirts and singlets are also available to buy on Saturday 7th September 2024 between 2:00pm-4:00pm and on Sunday 8th September 2024 at the event but there is no guarantee your size will be available.

T-Shirts and singlets cost $30 each.

Our T-Shirts and singlets are lightweight, quick-dry and stylish with available standard sizes including ladies, mens  and kids.

We typically have T-Shirts and singlets from previous years available on Saturday 7th September 2024 2:00pm-4:00pm and on Sunday 8th September 2024 at the event for $15.

T-Shirts & Singlets will not be posted out whether ordered or won as prizes.

T-Shirts & Singlets can only be collected at bib collection. No refund will be provided if T-Shirts & Singlets are not collected at bib collection.

Step 1: Think about a local children’s charity that you would like to donate too.

Step 2: Find a team of 8 people

8 people means 1 entry into the random draw. 16 people in a team = 2
random draw entries. 24 people = 3 entries etc

Step 3: When you enter online, make sure you enter the same team name as your other team members

Step 4: Run the event and be at the presentation

5 x $1,000 random draws will be drawn at the presentation at 12:00pm on Sunday 10th September.

The 5 x $1,000 random draws will be donated by the team to a charity of their choice. For example, if your teams name is drawn, you must come up to the presentation stage and tell everyone which local children’s charity you will be donating to. Your team name and charity will be mentioned in the local media and on the website.

Teams must be in attendance to donate their random draw amount.

Distances on offer include the 36.1km, half marathon (ages 16+), 10km (12+), 5km (all ages) and 3km (all ages) events all held on the picturesque Coffs Creek Walkway.

If you enter multiple events or the 36.1km, multiple team entries into the random draw will be counted

Yes there will be a bag drop in the registration area. However the Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour is not responsible for your gear.

It is strongly recommended that valuable items are not left here.

Generally non-branded marquees are allowed but you need to contact the Event Director prior at run@rotarycoffsharbour.org.au

Public toilets are available at the start / finish at Coffs Harbour Showground and on course near Dolphin Marine Conservation Park, Saltwater Park and Botanic Gardens 

There will be:

• 6 water stations for the Beachside Radiology 21.1km Half Marathon.

• 3 water stations for the Baringa Private Hospital 10km Run

• 2 water stations for the Southern Cross University 5km Fun Run / Walk.

• 1 water station for the Key Employment 3km Fun Run / Walk.

No food, gels or anything other than water is provided on course.

For those who require a special drink or energy drink for the Half Marathon and the Coffs Coast Kia Nyami and Jaanybarr there will be a table on the track opposite the finish line at the Showground where competitors can leave their own container.

This will not be manned and is your responsibility.

Volunteers are most welcome at the C.ex Group Coffs Harbour Running Festival as the event is mostly organised by volunteers.

We have plenty of volunteer roles to fill if you are interested. Please contact the Event Director at  run@rotarycoffsharbour.org.au for more information.

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

You should position yourself within the start field relative to your ability and goal so faster participants are not impeded and should be courteous to your fellow participants at all times. Stay on the left hand side of the course.

Walkers are not permitted in the 21.1km or 36.1km.

An abundance of volunteers will be stationed along the course to assist you should you get into any difficulties or require assistance in any way.

First Aid Officers from St John Ambulance will be on the course at the start line and floating around the course for the duration of the event. NSW Ambulance Service is on call should an emergency present itself.

Parking is located in the following areas:

• Castle St multi car park,
• Coffs St Olympic Pool Area
• Marcia St behind the Council Depot
• Coffs Harbour Showground (limited).

Parking at Coffs Harbour Showground typically fills up at or before 8am.

Use of an ipod/mp3 player is discouraged as it compromises your safety and the safety of others.

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

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

Wheelchairs are permitted noting that the course is bumpy with roots, gravel and bush trails. Please contact the Race Director at run@rotarycoffsharbour.org.au prior to race day.

Strollers are acceptable in the 3km Run/Walk only and must start at the back of the field.  However, it is important for parents to be aware that they are responsible for the safety of themselves and other runners should they wish to push a pram along this course. If parents would like their child to receive an official time and finisher’s certificate then they must enter and pay the appropriate entry fee as per the usual entry process.

Sit back, relax and cheer the other runners home. There will food and drink options available including a BBQ provided by the Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour with all proceeds going to local charities.

Matt and his team from Coffs Coast Sports Physiotherapy will be present under the shade for sports massages.