3 Marathons in 3 Days

Thursday, 8 July 2027

Kuranda, Cairns, QLD

Where to stay for race weekend

Marathon

Dynamic Running Ltd.

About This Event

Three consecutive trail marathons through the rainforest ranges and dirt roads above Cairns, Far North Queensland, over three days in July 2027. Enter one, two or all three (the 3M3D Grand Slam), from Kuranda to Crystal Cascades, around Copperlode Dam, and Koah to Goomboora Park.

Events & entry fees

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Thursday 8 July

3M3D Grand Slam

6:30am

$400
Cairns Marathon

6:30am

$120
Marathon 1

6:30am

$190
Marathon 2

6:30am

$190
Virtual

Start TBA

$400

Entry fees as listed on 3 Sep 2026. Prices often rise after early bird, so check the entry page for today's price.

Quick Facts

Date: Thursday, 08 July 2027
Terrain: Mixed Trail/Road
Location: Kuranda, Cairns, QLD
Entry Fee: $80 - $400
Difficulty: Challenging
Start Time: 6:30am daily
Good for Beginners: No

Free training

Training for 3 Marathons in 3 Days?

Race day is Thu 8 Jul 2027, 36 weeks away. Free training plans start up to 20 weeks before race day, so a plan for it can start from 22 February. Save it now; until then, 12 weeks of building is a good start.

Save the Marathon

Free with a MyRaceHub account. Saves the race to your races and opens training setup.

Event Details

Date Thursday, 8 July 2027

Location Kuranda, Cairns, QLD

State QLD

Terrain Trail

Entry Fee $80 - $400

Organizer Dynamic Running Ltd.

Course Description

Marathon 1 launches from Wright’s Lookout in Kuranda and winds through the lush rainforest to finish at the spectacular Crystal Cascades in Redlynch, covering 42.2 km with 1,303 m of ascent and 1,611 m of descent. Marathon 2 starts and ends at the iconic Copperlode Dam, taking runners over single‑track trails, shallow creek crossings and rugged dirt roads. Marathon 3 (the Cairns Marathon) begins at the corner of Clohesy River Road and Cedar Park Road in Koah, then follows a mix of bitumen, footpaths and forest tracks to Goomboora Park in Cairns. Expect steep climbs, slippery causeways, fallen trees, and occasional wildlife such as snakes and orb spiders. Water is only at checkpoints, so carry at least a 2‑litre hydration system.

Getting There

The three courses start at Wright's Lookout in Kuranda (Marathon 1), Copperlode Dam (Marathon 2) and the corner of Clohesy River Road and Cedar Park Road in Koah (Cairns Marathon), finishing at Crystal Cascades, Copperlode Dam and Goomboora Park respectively. The organiser runs buses to and from each start and publishes transport details in its event updates, so do not rely on rideshare to reach the remote start lines. A pre-race dinner is held at Dunwoody's Tavern, Sheridan Street, Cairns North.

Where to Stay

Places to stay near the start, priced for race weekend.

We may earn a small referral fee if you book through this map — you pay the same price.

Weather & What to Pack

July in Cairns is tropical winter with warm daytime highs around 26 °C and comfortable night lows near 17 °C. Humidity is moderate and rainfall is minimal (≈1 mm). Expect sunshine with occasional clouds, so lightweight, breathable clothing and sun protection are essential. Bring layers for cooler mornings and evenings, and a reliable hydration system as temperatures can still be high on the trail.

Race details last updated 11 Oct 2026

Ready to run 3 Marathons in 3 Days?

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

What entry options are available and what do they cost?

You can enter Marathon 1 (Thursday), Marathon 2 (Friday), the Cairns Marathon (Saturday), or all three as the 3M3D Grand Slam. Standard entry is $190 for Marathon 1 or 2, $120 for the Cairns Marathon and $400 for the Grand Slam, with cheaper early-bird pricing until 25 April 2027. Entries close 1 July 2027 and Dynamic Running club members receive a discount.

What mandatory gear must I bring?

You must carry a race bib, a whistle, a hydration system of at least 2 litres capacity, enough nutrition for each day, course maps and descriptions (phone or paper), and the correct compression bandages: one AeroForm Snake bandage (10cm x 10.5m) or two Elastoplast or Handy's heavy crepe bandages (10cm x 2.3m). No gear, no start line.

How is water supplied during the race?

Tap water is only available at checkpoints, and there are extended sections with no access to tap water. If you plan to refill from creeks you must carry your own purification method. On the Saturday, water is placed along Lake Morris Road roughly every three kilometres.

Do I have to run all three marathons?

No. You can enter one, two or all three marathons over the weekend. Only runners who complete all three (126.6km) earn the 3M3D Grand Slam medal. A virtual option is also offered for runners who cannot travel to Cairns.

Is this event suitable for beginners?

No. Each day covers challenging terrain including steep hills, overgrown single track and obstacles such as fallen trees, washouts, snakes and orb spiders. It is intended for experienced trail runners who prepare thoroughly and take responsibility for their own safety.