Great Whitehaven Beach Run 2026

The Great Whitehaven Beach Run 2026 takes place on Sunday, 24 May 2026, on the iconic sands of Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays, Queensland, Australia. Participants can expect a unique running experience on a flat, pristine beach surface, with the option to run barefoot or with shoes. In late May, the Whitsundays typically experience mild and pleasant autumn weather, with comfortable temperatures suitable for outdoor physical activity, though coastal conditions can vary.

What distances and age requirements are available?

• →Half Marathon (21.1km): Minimum age 16
• →10km: Minimum age 12
• →5km: Minimum age 8
• →Junior 1.5km: 15 years or younger
• →Junior 500m: 15 years or younger

How are the competition categories structured?

• →Individual Open: Awards for the top 3 male and female finishers per distance.
• →Individual Age Group: 1st place awarded per age category (subject to minimum entry requirements).

What is the race day schedule for Sunday, 24 May?

• →10:00am: Half Marathon start
• →10:25am: 10km start
• →10:40am: 5km start
• →12:30pm: Junior Races
• →1:00pm: Presentations

What activities are scheduled for the weekend?

Saturday, 23 May:

• →7:00am: FREE parkrun at Shady Creek Lawns (opposite Reef View Hotel)
• →8:00am: Run Clinic with Race Director Steve Jackson (beach run tips)
• →3:00pm–5:00pm: Race Kit Collection at the Reef Lounge, Reef View Hotel

How do I get to Whitehaven Beach for the event?

Access to the beach is via a chartered ferry, and the cost of this transfer is included in your registration fee.

Departure from Airlie Beach:

• →6:45am: Check-in at Cruise Whitsundays Ferry Terminal, Port of Airlie
• →7:30am: Ferry departs Port of Airlie
• →8:30am: Arrival at Hamilton Island (for Hamilton Island competitors)
• →9:15am: Arrival at Whitehaven Beach

Return Schedule:

• →1:40pm: Boarding commences following presentations
• →~3:00pm: Arrival at Hamilton Island
• →~4:00pm: Arrival at Port of Airlie Marina

What are the registration fees?

• →Half Marathon (21.1km): $150.00 AUD
• →10km: $150.00 AUD
• →5km: $150.00 AUD
• →Junior 1.5km: $65.00 AUD
• →Junior 500m: $65.00 AUD
• →Spectator ticket: $75.00 AUD

Where can I view the race course?

The course follows the shoreline of Whitehaven Beach. You can view and download the course map via Hamilton Island ↗.