Rainbow Beach Trail Running Festival 2026 Results
Official WebsiteRainbow Beach Trail Running Festival 2026 was held on Saturday, 8 August 2026 at Phil Rodgers Park, Rainbow Beach.
About This Event
Experience Queensland's most beautiful trail running event in Rainbow Beach, with stunning coastal views and challenging trails through national parks and sand dunes.
Events
Sunday 9 August
-
Marathon6am
-
Half Marathon7am
-
11km8am
Quick Facts
- Date
- Saturday, 8 August 2026
- Terrain
- Trail/Beach
- Location
- Phil Rodgers Park, Rainbow Beach, QLD
- Entry Fee
- Check the entry page for current prices
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Start Time
- 6:00 AM (first wave — see schedule)
- Good for Beginners
- No - due to trail difficulty and terrain
Event Details
Course Description
The Rainbow Beach Trail Running Festival offers runners a breathtaking journey through the Cooloola Coast, featuring lush forests, towering sand cliffs, perched lakes, and the historic lighthouse. Runners will navigate single track, fire roads, and beach sections, with course markings every 250m for guidance. The event is ideal for both seasoned trail runners and those seeking a scenic weekend getaway.
Getting There
Phil Rodgers Park is located on the south end of Wide Bay Esplanade in Rainbow Beach. Parking is available at the venue. Arrive early to secure parking and allow time for registration. Public transport options are limited, so it is recommended to drive or use local shuttle services.
Weather & What to Pack
August is winter in Queensland, with average temperatures ranging from 16.7°C to 25.5°C. Conditions are generally mild with low rainfall. Dress in layers and bring a light jacket for cooler mornings. Hydration is essential, even in cooler weather.
Race details last updated 6 Sep 2026
Planning to run Rainbow Beach Trail Running Festival next time?
Official WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
Can I register on the day of the event?
No, entries are not available on the day of the event. Register in advance through the official website or Race Roster.
Are there any age restrictions for the races?
Yes. The 11km requires a minimum age of 12, the Half Marathon 15, and the Marathon 18.
What gear is mandatory for the event?
Mandatory gear includes a mobile phone with emergency contact numbers, your race bib worn visibly on the front, and a water bottle or hydration pack (minimum 1.5L for the Marathon, 500ml for the Half Marathon and 11km). A compression bandage is also mandatory, and using the Maps.Me app with the event's KML file is recommended for navigation.
Are there checkpoints and cut-off times on the course?
Yes, there are five checkpoints along the course. Checkpoints 1, 3 and 5 offer water, electrolytes, fruit and small snacks; checkpoints 2 and 4 have water only. There is a no-cups policy, so bring your own bottle. All distances have a cut-off time of 2:00pm.
What is the terrain like on the course?
The course follows the Cooloola Coast through lush forest, past perched lakes and the historic lighthouse, on a mix of single track, fire roads and beach, with reflective orange flagging marking the route roughly every 250m.
parkruns near this race
Free, timed 5km every Saturday morning. A good hit-out between races.
- Wes Mitchell Park parkrun Sat 7:00am · 6.9 km away · Tin Can Bay
More Races in QLD
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