MarathonOpening SoonBQ

Townsville Running Festival

August 1, 2027 · 4:45 AMTownsville, Queensland, Australia

Save

Race snapshot

Race Day

63°F

Feels mild

Total elevation gain

66ft

Relatively flat course · Net elevation change +0 ft

Crowd Rating

5/ 10

Good crowd energy

The Lowdown

The Townsville Running Festival is a race-day program on the north Queensland coast with a marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, 2.5K Hero Run and a marathon relay, all starting at the Jezzine Barracks parkland. The marathon is a fast, flat three-loop course with AIMS certification: two 10.5 km city loops and one 21.1 km loop out to Pallarenda, with views of the Coral Sea and Magnetic Island. The 2026 edition was held on Sunday 2 August 2026, and the half marathon sold out. The festival is held on the first Sunday of August, so the next edition is expected on 1 August 2027, with the date and pricing still to be announced. The marathon starts at 4:45 am to beat the heat, and drink stops are roughly every 5 km with water roughly every 2.5 km. Runners can raise money for Team Ronald McDonald House through the Run for Purpose fundraising option.

Course Highlights: 01Jezzine Barracks – parkland start and finish
02Townsville Marina – on the city loops
03The Strand – beachfront promenade on the city loops
04Primrose Street – turnaround of each 10.5 km city loop
05Pallarenda – turnaround of the 21.1 km coastal loop
Also on this race weekend: Half marathon · 10K · 5K · 5K · Marathon
Boston Qualifier: This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.

Entry Methods: Online through Race Roster
Registration closed on the Wednesday before race day in 2026 and late entries were not accepted on the day
Charity places through the Run for Purpose option for Team Ronald McDonald House
Eligibility: Walkers may enter every race except the marathon
Jogging strollers and prams are allowed in all distances and start at the rear
Animals, personal assistance, roller blades, skates and skateboards are not permitted
Required Documents: Race number, which is collected at Jezzine Barracks the day before the race; no race number means no race time

Questions about the Townsville Running Festival 2027

When is the Townsville Running Festival 2027?

Sunday, August 1, 2027.

Where is the Townsville Running Festival?

Townsville, Queensland, Australia.

What time does the Townsville Running Festival start?

The race starts at 4:45 AM, local time.

How do I enter the Townsville Running Festival 2027?

Registration has not opened yet. Ways in: Online through Race Roster; Registration closed on the Wednesday before race day in 2026 and late entries were not accepted on the day; Charity places through the Run for Purpose option for Team Ronald McDonald House.

How much does the Townsville Running Festival 2027 cost?

Marathon: A$174. Half Marathon: A$144. 10K Classic: A$85. 5K Fun Run and Walk: A$44.

What is the Townsville Running Festival elevation gain?

20 m (66 ft) of total elevation gain. Net elevation change: +0 m (0 ft). Relatively flat course.

What is the Townsville Running Festival course like?

It passes Jezzine Barracks, Townsville Marina and The Strand.

What is the weather like at the Townsville Running Festival?

The race-day average is 17 °C (63 °F). Feels mild.

Is the Townsville Running Festival a Boston qualifier?

Yes. This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event.

Prepare for This Race

Pace CalculatorPlan splits for marathon Race PredictorPredict your marathon time BQ CalculatorBQ-eligible course Fuel PlannerPlan nutrition for marathon, moderate weather Difficulty Analyzer66ft gain, 63°F avg, marathon Training PacesTraining zones for marathon

Running this race?

MarathonOS puts your race countdown on your Lock Screen and keeps every race-week checklist on your phone. Checklists and your race report are free for your first race.

Scan to download

Community

Stories, tips, and race-day snapshots from runners who have tackled this course.

Community Reviews

Learn from fellow runners and share insights that will help the next person toe the line.