Event Overview
Whitsunday Trail Fest is a running event held in and around Airlie Beach, Queensland, with races scheduled for Sunday 13 September 2026. The program includes the WTF58 Accom Whitsunday Ultra, the original WTF28 event, and the Honeyeater 11k Challenge, alongside shorter Kids Beach Bash races at the Airlie Beach foreshore. Entries for the festival events open from 1 March 2026, with mandatory gear requirements noted across distances.
What the Course Demands
Across the main festival distances, runners should expect sustained climbs and descents, repeated changes of rhythm, and sections that are described by organisers as remote, with potentially slower access for assistance. The WTF58 is run as an out-and-back from Airlie Beach to the Brandy Creek Trail Head, while the WTF28 is point-to-point from Brandy Creek to Airlie Beach. Organisers note minimal water stations and enforce cut-off times.
Who This Event Suits Best
This event suits runners who are comfortable managing longer efforts away from frequent on-course support and who can meet cut-offs in a demanding, varied course environment. The Honeyeater 11k is positioned by the organisers as a shorter option that can appeal to newer trail runners while still being challenging. The Kids Beach Bash races are designed for children, with age minimums stated for each junior distance.
