Cairns Marathon Festival

Sunday, 11 July 2027

Fogarty Park, Cairns, QLD

Where to stay for race weekend

Half Marathon & 10K

Atlas Events

About This Event

Enjoy a family‑friendly marathon festival on the Cairns Esplanade, with flat, scenic waterfront courses and options from a full marathon to a 2 km family dash – ideal for seasoned runners and beginners alike.

Events

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Sunday 11 July

Marathon

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Half Marathon

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10km

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5km Run

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5km Walk

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2km Family Dash

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Quick Facts

Date: Sunday, 11 July 2027
Terrain: Road
Location: Fogarty Park, Cairns Esplanade
Entry Fee: Check official website
Difficulty: Easy
Start Time: Check official website
Good for Beginners: Yes – flat course and short distances make it beginner‑friendly

Free training

Training for Cairns Marathon Festival?

Race day is Sun 11 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 5K Save the 10K Save the Half Marathon Save the Marathon

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

Event Details

Date Sunday, 11 July 2027

Location Fogarty Park, Cairns

State QLD

Terrain road

Organizer Atlas Events

Course Description

All races start and finish at Fogarty Park, situated on the iconic Cairns Esplanade. The flat, fully paved course follows the waterfront promenade, offering uninterrupted ocean views and a breezy tropical atmosphere. Runners will pass the Esplanade Lagoon, palm‑lined walkways and the vibrant city centre, with well‑marked routes and ample crowd support. The marathon covers the full length of the Esplanade, while shorter distances loop back from the park, making each route suitable for all fitness levels. Aid stations provide water and electrolytes, and the finish line is set against the backdrop of the park’s lush greenery, creating a memorable finish for every participant.

Getting There

All races start and finish at Fogarty Park on the Cairns Esplanade. The venue is centrally located in Cairns with nearby parking options and is served by local bus routes. For precise directions, parking details and public transport information, please refer to the official event website and plan to arrive early to allow time for bib collection.

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

In July, Cairns enjoys tropical winter weather with daytime highs around 26 °C and night lows near 17 °C, and virtually no rain. Expect clear skies and gentle breezes along the waterfront. Dress in lightweight, breathable layers and consider a light jacket for early‑morning starts. Sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water are essential to stay comfortable while running. Morning temperatures may feel cooler, so a long‑sleeve top can be useful, while evenings are comfortable for post‑race celebrations.

Race details last updated 12 Oct 2026

Ready to run Cairns Marathon Festival?

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

What distances does the Cairns Marathon Festival offer?

The festival includes the full Marathon (42.195km), a Marathon Relay run as a 2-person or 4-person team, the Half Marathon (21.1km), a 10km, a 5km Run, a 5km Walk and a 2km Family Dash. The shorter events cater for families, prams and wheelchair participants.

When and where does the event start?

The 2027 event is on Sunday 11 July 2027. All races start and finish at Fogarty Park on the Cairns Esplanade, in the centre of Cairns.

Are the roads closed for the race?

Yes. The Cairns Marathon Festival is run under full road closures, so the courses are traffic-free.

How do I enter the 2027 Cairns Marathon Festival?

Entries are handled online through the official website. At the time of writing, 2027 entries had not yet opened - you can register for 2027 early access on cairnsmarathon.com.au to be notified when registration goes live.

Does the event support a charity?

Yes. Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia is the festival's major beneficiary, and there is a dedicated fundraising program for participants.