Orange Running Festival 2026 Results
Official WebsiteOrange Running Festival 2026 was held on Sunday, 15 March 2026 at Gosling Creek Reserve, Forest Road, Orange NSW.
About This Event
A weekend away in the renowned food and wine region of Orange featuring distance running events with a distance for everyone. The festival caters for all ages and abilities on scenic, all sealed, gently undulating courses.
Events
Sunday 15 March
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Marathon6am
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Half Marathon6am
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10km6am
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5km6am
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Orange Community Mile11am
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Primary (K-6) Dash11am
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Secondary (7-12) Dash11am
Quick Facts
- Date
- Sunday, 15 March 2026
- Terrain
- Road
- Location
- Gosling Creek Reserve, Bloomfield, Orange NSW
- Entry Fee
- Check the entry page for current prices
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Start Time
- 6:00 AM (distance events), 11:00 AM (Mile events)
- Good for Beginners
- Yes - with distances from 1 mile to marathon, the gently undulating sealed courses and cool climate conditions suit first-timers, especially the 5km and Community Mile options
Event Details
Course Description
Set in the picturesque cool climate of Orange in Central West NSW, the Orange Running Festival offers World Athletics/AIMS certified courses that wind through the scenic landscapes surrounding Gosling Creek Reserve in Bloomfield. All distance courses are fully sealed and gently undulating, making them accessible yet engaging for runners of all abilities. The marathon, half marathon, 10km, and 5km events start at 6:00 AM, taking advantage of the crisp morning air that Orange is renowned for. The courses showcase the natural beauty of the region while maintaining qualification standards for championships and ranking points. At 11:00 AM, the Mile events transform the atmosphere with school dashes and the inclusive Community Mile, creating a festival environment that celebrates running across all ages and abilities in this celebrated food and wine region.
Getting There
Gosling Creek Reserve is located on Forest Road in Bloomfield, approximately 5km from Orange city centre. Ample parking is available at the reserve. From Sydney, take the Great Western Highway via Bathurst (approximately 3.5 hours). Orange is also accessible by train via NSW TrainLink services to Orange station, though you'll need to arrange transport to the venue. Plan to arrive at least 45 minutes before your race start time to collect your bib, warm up, and familiarise yourself with the course layout.
Weather & What to Pack
Mid-March in Orange brings delightful early autumn conditions, with temperatures typically ranging from 10-24°C. Morning starts at 6:00 AM will be crisp and cool, perfect for distance running, though you may want arm warmers for the start. Orange sits at 860 metres elevation, so conditions are considerably cooler than Sydney. The region enjoys low humidity and clear skies during this period. Bring sun protection including sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cap for later in the morning. Layer your clothing to adjust as you warm up. Hydration stations are provided on course, but the mild autumn weather makes this an ideal racing climate.
Race details last updated 6 Sep 2026
Planning to run Orange Running Festival next time?
Official WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
Is the course suitable for achieving a personal best or qualifying time?
Yes! All distance courses (Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km, and 5km) are World Athletics/AIMS certified, making them eligible for earning ranking points and championship qualification times. The gently undulating sealed surfaces and cool March conditions provide excellent PB opportunities.
What age restrictions apply to the different distances?
Marathon participants must be 18 or over on race day, Half Marathon runners must be 16 or over, while the 5km and 10km are open to younger participants with discounts for those 13 and under. The school dashes are specifically for Primary (K-6) and Secondary (7-12) students, and the Community Mile welcomes all ages.
How do early bird registrations work?
Early bird pricing is available from 1 November to 31 December 2025, offering significant savings (e.g., Marathon $110 vs $130, Half Marathon $80 vs $100). Prices increase on 1 January 2026, so register before year's end to save.
Are there opportunities to support local charities?
Absolutely! The festival partners with several Orange community organisations including Cycling Without Age Australia, Orange Brigade NSW RFS, and Ronald McDonald House. You can donate to these causes when registering or create fundraising pages to support them.
What makes this festival special beyond just running?
The 20th Orange Running Festival coincides with Orange's reputation as a premium food and wine destination. Make a weekend of it by exploring local wineries, restaurants, and produce. The festival atmosphere brings together competitive distance runners and community participants, creating an inclusive celebration of health and fitness in a stunning regional setting.
parkruns near this race
Free, timed 5km every Saturday morning. A good hit-out between races, or an easy shakeout the day before this one.
- Orange parkrun Sat 8:00am · 0.8 km away · Bloomfield
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