Parklands Running Festival
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About This Event
Experience Sydney's biggest backyard at the Parklands Running Festival – a hilly road course through Western Sydney Parklands at Lizard Log, Abbotsbury. Choose from Half Marathon, 10 km, 5 km or 2 km Family Dash – perfect for seasoned runners and beginners alike.
Events & entry fees
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Sunday 30 May
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Half Marathon7am$110
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5km7:50am$48
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10km8am$68
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2km Family Dash9:45am$35
Entry fees as listed on 27 Oct 2026. Prices often rise after early bird, so check the entry page for today's price.
Quick Facts
- Date
- Sunday, 30 May 2027
- Terrain
- Road
- Location
- Lizard Log, Abbotsbury, Western Sydney Parklands
- Entry Fee
- $30 - $85
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Start Time
- 7:00 am
- Good for Beginners
- Yes – the 2 km Family Dash and 5 km are beginner-friendly, and the course is suitable for all levels.
Free training
Training for Parklands Running Festival?
Race day is Sun 30 May 2027, 30 weeks away. Free training plans start up to 20 weeks before race day, so a plan for it can start from 11 January. Save it now; until then, 12 weeks of building is a good start.
Free with a MyRaceHub account. Saves the race to your races and opens training setup.
Event Details
Course Description
The Parklands Running Festival course winds through the lush Western Sydney Parklands, starting and finishing at Lizard Log's amphitheatre. Runners will tackle a mix of paved footpaths and quiet roads, with a few rolling hills that add a challenging edge to every distance. The first and last 200 m are set on grass, offering a pleasant transition from the park’s natural scenery to the road sections. The 10 km and Half Marathon routes feature undulating terrain that tests endurance, while the 5 km provides a shorter yet still hilly experience. The 2 km Family Dash is a flat, family‑friendly loop ideal for kids and beginners. Spectators will enjoy views of native bushland, open fields, and the iconic Lizard Log backdrop.
Getting There
Parklands Running Festival is accessible by car only, as public transport does not run early on Sunday mornings. Large car parks sit on both the east and west sides of Lizard Log and can be reached via Horsley Drive. An overflow grass car park is also available, with 4WD access only when weather requires it. Arrive early to collect your bib and explore the event village before the races begin.
Weather & What to Pack
May in Abbotsbury is autumn, with typical daytime highs around 21 °C and overnight lows near 9 °C. Expect mild sunshine and a chance of light breezes, so layers are advisable – a breathable shirt, a light jacket or fleece, and a hat for early‑morning sun. While temperatures are moderate, stay hydrated with water or electrolyte drinks, especially for longer distances. Check the forecast on race day and be prepared for cooler morning conditions.
Race details last updated 5 Oct 2026
Ready to run Parklands Running Festival?
Register NowWe may earn a small referral fee if you enter via this link — you pay the same price.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I register for the Parklands Running Festival and are there early‑bird discounts?
Registration is handled through the Race Roster website. Early‑bird prices are available from 22 July to 28 August: $85 for the Half Marathon, $55 for the 10 km, $38 for the 5 km and $30 for the 2 km Family Dash. To have your name printed on the bib you must register at least three weeks before race day; bibs are printed three weeks out and posted two weeks out. Check the official website for the final registration deadline.
When and where can I pick up my race bib?
The event village opens at 6:00 am on race day for registration, bib pick‑up, bag drop and sponsor tents. Bibs can be collected at the Lizard Log venue before the races start. Arriving early is recommended to allow time for collection.
Are there cut‑off times for the races?
Yes. The Half Marathon has a cut‑off of 3.5 hours. The 2 km Family Dash, 5 km and 10 km races have no cut‑off times.
Can I run the Family Dash with my child, and is there an extra fee?
The 2 km Family Dash is a family‑friendly event. An accompanying adult may run with the child for an additional $10. The adult is not timed and will not receive a finisher’s medal. Register the child first, then add the adult bib during registration.
What gear should I wear on race day and are earphones allowed?
Wear appropriate running shoes, a bib with the chip timing, and dress in layers suitable for May weather (e.g., breathable shirt and light jacket). The event advises against using earphones because other pedestrians, cyclists and dogs share the course, so stay aware of your surroundings. No other gear restrictions are noted.
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.
- Rooty Hill parkrun Sat 8:00am · 4.0 km away · Bungarribee
- The Ponds parkrun Sat 8:00am · 6.3 km away · The Ponds
- Whalan Reserve parkrun Sat 8:00am · 6.4 km away · St Marys
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