Rainbow Beach Trail Festival
Official WebsiteAbout This Event
Experience Queensland's most stunning trail‑running event at Rainbow Beach. Run mixed terrain through sand cliffs, forests, dunes and beaches with marathon, half‑marathon and 11 km options – perfect for seasoned racers and beginners alike.
Events
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Saturday 31 July
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Marathon7am
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Half Marathon8am
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11km9am
Quick Facts
- Date
- Saturday, 31 July 2027
- Terrain
- Mixed
- Location
- Rainbow Beach
- Entry Fee
- Check official website
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Start Time
- 7:00 AM (Marathon), 8:00 AM (Half Marathon), 9:00 AM (11 km)
- Good for Beginners
- Yes – the 11 km distance is suitable for beginners, though the marathon and half‑marathon involve more demanding sections.
Free training
Training for Rainbow Beach Trail Festival?
Race day is Sat 31 Jul 2027, 39 weeks away. Free training plans start up to 20 weeks before race day, so a plan for it can start from 15 March. 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
All races start and finish at Phil Rogers Park, Rainbow Beach, before heading onto a mixed‑terrain loop of single‑track trails, fire roads and sandy beach sections. Runners will be treated to the iconic coloured sand cliffs of the Cooloola Coast, lush coastal forests, perched lakes, rising dunes and the historic lighthouse. The course is marked with reflective orange flagging tape every ~250 m, red directional arrows and red cross signs indicating off‑course routes. Water and electrolyte stations are provided at checkpoints 1‑5, with minimal water at checkpoints 2 and 4. Expect a blend of technical trail sections and scenic coastal flats that challenge endurance while rewarding you with spectacular views.
Getting There
The event is based at Phil Rogers Park in the coastal town of Rainbow Beach, Queensland. Parking, public transport options and exact arrival recommendations are not detailed in the event information – please visit the official race website for the latest guidance on parking facilities and transport routes.
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
Late July is mid-winter on Queensland's Cooloola Coast, and Rainbow Beach is mild rather than cold: daytime highs around 20-22 °C, with early mornings near 12-13 °C when the marathon sets off at 7 am. Winter is the drier half of the year here, but showers are still possible, so pack a light rain shell alongside breathable running gear. Sunscreen and a hat matter on the exposed beach and dune sections once the sun is up, and the sea breeze can make the coastal flats feel cooler than the forest tracks.
Race details last updated 13 Sep 2026
Ready to run Rainbow Beach Trail Festival?
Official WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
When can I register and are day‑of entries allowed?
Registrations must be completed before the event – no entries are accepted on the day. Check the official website for the opening date.
What is the refund policy?
Refunds are available up to 17 July 2027, subject to a $30 admin charge. No transfers to another person or event are permitted. Email brett@runqueensland.com for refunds.
What mandatory gear must I bring?
You must wear your bib visibly, carry a mobile phone with the race directors' emergency numbers saved (listed on the official event page), and bring a water bottle or hydration pack (minimum 1.5 L for the marathon, 500 mL for the shorter races). A compression bandage and appropriate trail footwear are also required.
Can I have a support crew on the course?
Support crews are not allowed on the course; they may only be present in the start/finish area. Spectators are welcome at Phil Rogers Park.
What are the race start and cut‑off times?
Marathon starts at 7:00 AM with a 3:00 PM cut‑off. Half Marathon starts at 8:00 AM, cut‑off 2:00 PM. 11 km starts at 9:00 AM, cut‑off 2:00 PM.
parkruns near this race
Free, timed 5km every Saturday morning. A good hit-out between races.
- Wes Mitchell Park parkrun Sat 7:00am · 8.8 km away · Tin Can Bay
More Races in QLD
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