Event Overview
The C.ex Group Coffs Harbour Running Festival is held on Sunday, 30 August 2026, with all races starting and finishing at Coffs Harbour Showground. Distances on offer are the HQB Marathon (42.2km), PSC Insurance Brokers Half Marathon (21.1km), Baringa Private Hospital 10km, Southern Cross University 5km, and Key Community Group 3km. The event uses chip timing and a rolling start, with pre-race briefings shortly before each start time.
What the Course Demands
Across the longer events, pacing discipline matters because the marathon and half marathon operate with interim cut-offs and a total course cut-off. Aid access is structured by distance, with multiple water stations on the marathon course and fewer on the shorter races. The courses include sections through Coffs Harbour landmarks such as the Jetty area and Botanic Gardens, creating frequent changes in scenery and rhythm as the route progresses.
Who This Event Suits Best
This festival suits runners wanting a choice of distances within one schedule, from first-time participants in the 3km or 5km through to experienced athletes targeting a marathon effort. The 10km provides a straightforward race-day option with on-course water points, while the half marathon and marathon are better matched to runners comfortable with time cut-offs and longer time on feet. Walkers are permitted in the 3km, 5km and 10km only.
