Are you ready to join the Lake Mac Run in celebrating over 40 years of running around the stunning Lake Macquarie? Picture this: a picturesque road course hugging the crystal-clear waters, offering a mostly flat terrain for you to conquer and chase those personal best times. Whether you're a seasoned half marathoner, a fun-loving 10.5km participant, or looking for a family-friendly 4km adventure, the Lake Macquarie Running Festival promises an unforgettable experience for all. Lace-up your shoes and mark your calendars for the next edition on Sunday, September 14, 2025.

Where flat lakeside asphalt meets four decades of running folklore

Since 1984 the Lake Mac Run has sent waves of sneakers along The Esplanade at Warners Bay, turning Lake Macquarie’s mirror-calm water into a 21-kilometre ribbon of motivation. On 14 September 2025 the tradition continues with three traffic-free road races:

  • Pure Performance Lake Mac Run Half Marathon 21.1 km – the flagship two-lap PB course

  • Coal Services Lake Mac Run 10.5 km Fun Run – one smooth loop for runners or walkers

  • Lake Mac Run 4 km Family Scamper – a safe, out-and-back dash for kids, parents and prams

Whether you’re fine-tuning for the Sydney Marathon a fortnight later, chasing your first sub-90 half, or handing bibs to the next generation, the Lake Mac Run delivers a fast course, big-event timing and a lakeside festival vibe 90 minutes north of Sydney.

Quick-scan Lake Mac Run facts

Event Distance Start Field cap Early-bird fee* What you get
Half Marathon 21.1 km 07:15 1 200 $90 Tech race shirt, chip timing, finisher fruit
Fun Run 10.5 km 07:30 1 000 $70 Tech race shirt, chip timing, option to walk
Family Scamper 4 km 09:00 800 $30 Kids’ tee (while stocks last), trophies for age-group podiums

*Early-bird open until 31 May; standard and late tiers follow. All prices include GST (Humanitix booking fee added at checkout).

Why the Lake Mac Run keeps filling every year

  1. Scenic speed – perfectly flat asphalt hugging the foreshore; sea-breeze cool, zero hills.

  2. Historic pedigree – one of NSW’s oldest continually-run events; Steve Moneghetti once blazed this loop.

  3. Closed roads – from 06:00–11:00 the course is yours; police, SES and volunteers block traffic end-to-end.

  4. Family-first design – staggered start times let parents race the half and still pace kids in the Scamper.

  5. Community heart – organised by the Griffith family & 100+ volunteers; proceeds flow to local charities.

Course flavour – what your legs and eyes will enjoy

  • Start beside King Street roundabout, Warners Bay – crowds three-deep, lake glowing lilac.

  • The Esplanade sweep – water on your left, cafés pumping espresso steam on your right.

  • Pippi’s Hotel cheer zone – bagpipes some years, rock band others; always loud.

  • Speers Point parkland – brief grass stretch under fig trees, then back onto Creek Reserve Road.

  • Under-bridge cool-down – short tunnel echo amplifies every footfall.

  • Turning-point cone – half-marathoners glance across glassy water at chasing rivals.

  • Return leg – early sun now high, pelicans gliding; kilometre signs roll past every 1 000 m.

  • Finish chute – veer left of the toilet block, burst into parkland, tags beep, medal volunteers cheer.

Loop length is 10.55 km. Half-marathoners run two full loops + 450 m; course is AIMS measured—your PB counts.

Lake Mac Run Race-day schedule (14 Sept 2025)

Time What Notes
05:45 Bib collection opens Lakeside marquee opposite King Street
07:15 Half Marathon gun Sub-80 pacer in front row
07:30 10.5 km Fun Run start Walkers marshal at rear
08:45 Half lead finishes (~1:05) Fruit & Powerade at line
09:00 4 km Family Scamper start 2 km out, U-turn, 2 km back
10:15 4 km presentations Kids’ trophies on main stage
10:30 10.5 km presentations Overall + age medals
11:00 Half-marathon presentations Cash $250 M/F overall
11:00 Road re-opens to traffic Grab coffee, watch lake sparkle

Age-group & prize details

  • Age categories for half & 10 k: U15, then five-year bands through 70+.

  • Prize money – $250 cash each for first male & female overall in half and 10 k.

  • Scamper trophies – top three boys & girls in 6-8, 9-10, 11-13, 14-15 yrs.

What’s included with every Lake Mac Run bib

  • Moisture-wick race tee (design drops June)

  • RFID timing chip in bib (Multisport Australia)

  • Fully staffed drink stations every 3–4 km (water & isotonic)

  • Fruit & ice-cold Powerade in the recovery zone

  • Scenic, traffic-free asphalt the whole way

  • Instant SMS result + printable certificate

Getting there & race-morning logistics

  • Drive: 90 min from Sydney via M1; free parking behind The Esplanade shops (John Street car park).

  • Public transport: trains to Cardiff or Booragul + taxi 10 min.

  • Bag drop: secure tent beside start arch—collect with bib barcode.

  • Accommodation: lakeside motels in Warners Bay, or Newcastle CBD 15 min away.

How to claim your place

  1. Visit LakeMacRunning.com and hit Enter Now.

  2. Choose Half, Fun Run, or Scamper and lock in early-bird pricing.

  3. Add an optional donation to your chosen charity.

  4. Share your registration; tag #LakeMacRun and recruit your run-crew.

Flat course, gorgeous water views, family buzz—and a 41-year streak of finish-line smiles. The Lake Mac Run is waiting; see you on the Warners Bay foreshore this spring. See more here!