Date: Sunday 14th September 2025
Organised by: Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour
12th Annual Event – Coffs Harbour Running Festival
Join one of the region’s most beloved community and charity events, the Coffs Harbour Running Festival, where runners, walkers, and families traverse scenic boardwalks, swamps, and shady trails along Coffs Creek from the heart of Coffs Harbour to the coast and back. In 2024, participants raised an impressive $62,000 for local charities, and 2025 is set to be even bigger!
Discover Coffs Harbour and Its Scenic Trails
Imagine running where the course hugs the gentle curves of beautiful Coffs Creek, under the shade of mangroves, casuarina, and paperbark trees. The routes wind over floating boardwalks and through lush swamp forests before leading you to the sparkling coast. This is Coffs Harbour—a community steeped in natural beauty, where every step supports local charities and brings people together.
Explore the Region
- Coastal Charm: After your race, take a stroll along the Jetty Foreshores to soak up spectacular ocean views.
- Local Culture: Visit quaint local cafés, vibrant markets, and art galleries in Coffs Harbour.
- Family Fun: Enjoy free community events and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend.
- Charity & Community: 100% of entry fees go directly to local charities, ensuring your run makes a real difference.
Race Offerings at the Coffs Harbour Running Festival
The 2025 Festival introduces new and exciting distances that cater to every level—from the dedicated marathoner to the family fun runner.
1. Anytime Fitness Marathon
New for 2025: An amazing new distance that takes you on an epic journey across iconic Coffs Harbour routes.
Course Details:
- Start: Early morning race start at Coffs Harbour Showground (5:30am–5:55am bib collection followed by a race briefing at 5:55am)
- Route:
- Begin along the Coffs Creek Walkway and Botanic Gardens
- Cross the closed Orlando Street bridge for a breathtaking dash out to the scenic Jetty Foreshores
- Traverse the North Wall, Coffs Harbour Jetty, and South Wall, then return to the Coffs Harbour Jetty
- Continue along the course around to the Fisherman’s Co-op, re-cross the Orlando Street bridge
- Finally, follow gravel paths and boardwalks back along the Coffs Creek Walkway to complete the first half
- Bonus: Runners then tackle 2 x 10km laps of the old half marathon course with ample drink stations and cheering supporters
Key Information:
- Cost: $100
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Perks: Free special Marathon shirt (for those who register before 1st July 2025; pick up at bib collection)
Schedule Highlights:
- 8:30am: Course cut-off at 17.5km (2 hours 30 minutes)
- 10:00am: Presentation and random draw prizes
- 11:30am: Total course cut-off: 5 hours 30 minutes
Prizes:
- Top male and female overall will earn their names on a perpetual trophy, engraved glassware, and exclusive event merchandise (shirt and hat or socks).
2. HQB Half Marathon
New Iconic Course: Featuring a unique single lap that weaves past the scenic Jetty Foreshores.
Course Details:
- Start: Coffs Harbour Showground (race bib collection from 5:30am–5:55am; briefing at 5:55am)
- Route:
- Start with the familiar Coffs Creek Walkway and Botanic Gardens
- Cross a closed Orlando Street bridge and run out to the stunning Jetty Foreshores
- Experience the dramatic vistas of the North Wall and Coffs Harbour Jetty on the outward journey, with a return via the ramp at the Fisherman’s Co-op
- Finish at the Showground after a complete lap of the half marathon course
Key Information:
- Cost: $60
- Minimum Age: 16 years
Schedule Highlights:
- Race Starts:
- Wave 1: 6:00am (for sub–2 hour finishers)
- Wave 2: 6:02am (for finishers over 2 hours)
- Course Cut-off: 16.3km – 2 hours 30 minutes; Total cut-off: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Post-Race: Prize presentations at 10:00am
Prizes:
- Overall winners receive engraved glassware, event shirts, and additional awards for top age categories.
3. Baringa Private Hospital 10km
An Accessible and Scenic Route: A single-loop race that takes you along the picturesque Coffs Creek Walkway.
Course Details:
- Start & Finish: Harold & Cynthia Anderson Reserve
- Route:
- Follow a well-marked, out-and-back course along beautiful boardwalks and flat, mixed surface paths.
- Key Information:
- Cost: $40
- Minimum Age: 12 years (walkers permitted)
Schedule Highlights:
- Race Bib Collection: 5:30am–6:50am at Coffs Harbour Showground
- Race Starts:
- Wave 1 at 7:00am (for sub–55 minute finishers)
- Wave 2 at 7:02am
- Wave 3 at 7:05am
- Post-Race: Prizes awarded at 10:00am
Prizes:
- Top finishers receive engraved glassware and event apparel; age category winners earn special recognition.
4. Southern Cross University 5km
Fun, Fast, and Family Friendly: A 5km race perfect for all fitness levels, part of the Coffs Harbour Running Festival experience.
Course Details:
- Start & Finish: Harold & Cynthia Anderson Reserve
- Route:
- Enjoy half of the beautiful Coffs Creek Walkway along accessible, flat mixed paths and boardwalks.
- Key Information:
- Cost: $25
- No Minimum Age: All ages welcome; walkers permitted.
Schedule Highlights:
- Race Bib Collection: 5:30am–8:50am at the Showground
- Race Starts:
- Wave 1 at 8:55am (for sub–30 minute finishers)
- Wave 2 at 9:00am
- Post-Race: Prizes at 10:00am
Prizes:
- Overall winners receive a mix of engraved glassware, event shirts, and hats or socks; age category prizes available across a wide range.
5. Key Community Group 3km
For the Community, By the Community: A short and sweet 3km fun run that winds around the North Coast Regional Botanical Gardens.
Course Details:
- Route:
- A scenic 3km circuit within the Botanical Gardens designed for a relaxed pace and family fun.
- Key Information:
- Cost: $15
- No Minimum Age: Perfect for kids and adults alike.
Schedule Highlights:
- Race Bib Collection: 5:30am–9:05am at the Showground
- Race Start: 9:15am
- Prizes & Awards: Presented at 10:00am
Prizes:
- Simple awards include engraved glassware and event merchandise for top finishers.
6. Coastwise Insurance Solutions Teams Challenge
Run for a Cause: A unique challenge designed to foster team spirit and community fundraising.
How It Works:
- Choose a Charity: Pick a local children’s charity (must be registered with the ACNC).
- Form Your Team: Gather 8 or more people—the more entries your team forms (8 per entry), the higher your chance to win.
- Register as One Team: Ensure everyone enters using the identical team name.
- Race & Be Present: Compete in any of the distances (marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km, or 3km) and attend the prize presentation.
Prizes:
- Five $1,000 Random Draws: At the presentation on Sunday, 14th September 2025, 5 random teams will be selected. The winning teams will donate the prize money to a local children’s charity of their choice, receiving local media recognition in the process.
Coffs Harbour Running Festival Event Schedule Overview
Saturday, 13th September 2025
- 2:00pm–4:00pm: Race bib collection and late entries at Coffs Harbour Showground.
- Plus: Enjoy the Run Nation Film Festival at Sawtell Cinema (TBC).
Sunday, 14th September 2025
- 5:30am–5:55am: Race bib collection at Coffs Harbour Showground.
- 5:55am: Marathon race briefing (Anytime Fitness Marathon) and 21.1km Half Marathon briefing (HQB).
- 6:05am: Marathon race start.
- Other Start Times:
- 10km, 5km, and 3km start waves as detailed above.
- Course Cut-Offs & Awards:
- Marathon: 8:30am cut-off at 17.5km, final cut-off at 11:30am.
- Half Marathon: 8:30am cut-off at 16.3km, final cut-off at 9:15am.
- Prizes and presentations follow thereafter at designated times (10:00am and onward).
Hydration and Support on the Course
Multiple water stations are placed strategically along every course:
- Full Aid Stations: At key points along the Jetty and Showground routes (complete with water, electrolytes, Coca-Cola, ginger beer, lollies, chips, and watermelon).
- Basic Aid Stations: At locations like the Botanical Gardens, Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, and Hogbin Drive Underpass.
Support crew are allowed at designated aid stations, and additional gear tables at the Showground let runners access their dropped bags or extra supplies.
Prizes, Awards, and Community Impact
Not only do participants enjoy an unforgettable athletic challenge, but all entry fees go directly to local charities. Last year, an incredible $62,000 was raised. Prizes include:
- Overall Awards: Perpetual trophies, engraved glassware, event shirts, hats, or socks for top finishers.
- Age Categories: Awards in categories ranging from Under-12 to 80+ ensure recognition for every runner.
- Team Challenge: The Coastwise Insurance Solutions Teams Challenge offers teams the chance to donate $1,000 to a chosen charity if drawn.
Immerse Yourself in Coffs Harbour
The Coffs Harbour Running Festival isn’t just a race day—it’s a weekend experience:
- Local Food & Entertainment: Enjoy special food trucks, gourmet treats, and a festive atmosphere at the Coffs Harbour Showground.
- Community Vibes: Join family fun runs, support local schools and businesses, and relax at post-race gatherings.
- Explore the Coast: Take in scenic coastal walks, explore the botanical gardens, and savor the unique blend of urban amenities and natural beauty.
- Charitable Spirit: Every stride supports local charities, making your participation a cause for good in your community.
Register Now and Be Part of the Legacy
Secure your place at the 13th C.ex Group Coffs Harbour Running Festival 2025 and join a community united by running and compassion. With a range of distances for all ages and abilities, exciting new courses, and robust charity impact, this festival is set to be an unmissable weekend in Coffs Harbour.