Mcgrath Launceston Running Festival 2026
The McGrath Launceston Running Festival takes place on Sunday, 31 May 2026, in Launceston, Tasmania, with the event precinct centered at the Peppers Silo Hotel on Kings Wharf Road. Participants will experience a series of road races that conclude along the scenic banks of the Tamar River. As this event occurs in late May, the weather in Launceston is typically cool to mild, with temperatures often ranging between 6°C and 15°C, making it ideal for endurance activities, though participants should prepare for potential autumn showers. The festival offers a variety of distances ranging from a casual one-mile walk to a World Athletics Elite Label half marathon, catering to elite athletes and families alike.
What distances are available at the festival?
- →Peppers Silo Half Marathon: 21.1 km
- →Tamar Chiro 10 km Run: 10 km
- →The Athlete's Foot 5 km Run or Walk: 5 km
- →Liv Eat 1-Mile: 1,609 metres
What are the specific race courses and formats?
- →Peppers Silo Half Marathon: A fast, flat course starting outside the Peppers Silo Hotel, heading through Invermay and onto the West Tamar Highway, returning via the East Tamar Highway, and finishing on Kings Wharf Road.
- →Tamar Chiro 10 km Run: A run-focused event starting at the Peppers Silo Hotel, turning into Doyne Street and Gleadow St, joining the East Tamar Highway, and finishing on Kings Wharf Road.
- →The Athlete's Foot 5 km Run or Walk: A flat course starting at the Peppers Silo Hotel, moving through Doyne Street and Gleadow St to the East Tamar Highway, and finishing on Kings Wharf Road.
- →Liv Eat 1-Mile: A flat, easy, and pram-friendly course designed for beginners and families.
What are the time limits for each event?
- →Peppers Silo Half Marathon: 3.5-hour cut-off time
- →Tamar Chiro 10 km Run: 90-minute cut-off time (strictly enforced)
- →The Athlete's Foot 5 km Run or Walk: 70-minute cut-off time
What prizes are available for the Half Marathon?
The prize money is equal for both men and women:
- →1st Place: $8,000
- →2nd Place: $4,000
- →3rd Place: $3,200
- →4th Place: $2,400
- →5th Place: $1,600
Bonus prizes are awarded to the highest-placing finisher only:
- →Course Record: $1,000
- →Australian All Comers Record: $4,000
- →Australian Record: $8,000
- →World Record: $20,000
Tasmanian-only prizes:
- →1st Place: $500
- →2nd Place: $250
- →3rd Place: $100
- →Tasmanian Record Bonus: $1,000
What prizes are available for the 10 km and 5 km events?
Tamar Chiro 10 km Run:
- →1st Place: $2,000
- →2nd Place: $1,000
- →3rd Place: $500
- →Australian All Comers Record Bonus: $2,000
The Athlete's Foot 5 km Run or Walk (Vouchers):
- →1st Place: $200 (top man and woman)
- →2nd Place: $150 (top man and woman)
- →3rd Place: $100 (top man and woman)
What is included with race registration?
- →Finisher Medals (awarded to all finishers in the Half Marathon, 10 km, 5 km, and 1-Mile)
- →A bottle of Hartz water
- →A piece of fruit
- →Bag drop facilities (available at the event precinct using the security bag tag from your race bib)
When and where can I collect my race bib?
Bib collection takes place at the Kings Wharf Room, Peppers Silo Hotel, Lindsay Street, during the following times:
- →Friday 29 May: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
- →Saturday 30 May: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- →Sunday 31 May: 6:30 AM – 30 minutes before the final event
What are the general race rules and officiating details?
- →The event is governed by World Athletics rules and is a World Athletics permit event and Tasmanian Championship.
- →Awards are based on Gun Time (the order in which participants cross the finish line).
- →Pace setters are provided by the Tasmanian Road Runners Angels and are identifiable by coloured flags and specific singlets.
- →Optional "brag tags" to display finish times on the back of medals are available for purchase.