How can I find out more?
If your questions haven’t been answered in this section and you need to find out more, please email info@weiparunningfestival.org.au
Can I volunteer at the event?
Yes please. We need people to man the drink stations, help with set up/pull down, registration, timing and at the recording tent. Please register your interest on the Volunteer’s sections of our website (registrations not yet open for 2025).
Do any local charities benefit from the race?
Yes. Royal Flying Doctors Service is our chosen charity of choice, $5 from every participant is donated. You can make an additional donation in you registration also.
What time does the event finish?
Approximately 11am.
Are there any food vendors?
Yes, there will be water and fruit for all registered finishers. Capeacinno Crew and a BBQ Breakfast cooked by the Weipa Men’s Shed will be at the finish line. 7am-10:30am.
What prizes are up for grabs?
All competitors receive a finisher’s medal. Male and female winners in the 42.2km, 21.1km, 10km and 5km races will be awarded locally made trophies. Prize-giving is at approximately 10.00am, pending the last runner in. Age category winners will be presented at the after celebrations at the After Party, 3.00pm at the Albatross Bay Resort.
What do I do when I finish?
Head to the timing desk, the volunteers will assist you to remove your shoe tag, present your medal and head you into the recovery area. Results will be published on the Weipa Running Festival website.
Can I ride my bike, scooter or skateboard alongside my friend who is running?
No, it is not safe for the runners to have these on the course.
Can I run with a dog?
We love our furry friends but unfortunately they have to stay home on race day.
Can I run with a pram?
It is free to register a child in a pram, however, we only allow prams in the 2.5km fun run/walk and 5km. You are required to start at the back of the field for the safety of the child as well as the other participants. The child must be registered for the event.
Where will the first-aid stations be located?
There is basic first-aid available at the start/finish area and at drink stations along the course. If you don’t feel well, or hurt yourself during the race, report to the marshals on the course or at the finish line, or ask another competitor for help.
Where are the drink stations along the course?
Water will be available at the start/finish and on course. Plus additional public water taps at toilet locations and pathways.
What happens if it’s raining?
We are in tropics! The event will only be cancelled if there are severe weather conditions such as flash flooding, thunder and lightning, strong winds or other unforeseen problems with the course. The event organiser and/or Weipa Running Festival reserve the right to cancel the event at short notice depending on race conditions. As per our waiver, no refunds will be offered if the event is cancelled as a result of conditions out of the control of the event organiser and/or Weipa Running Festival.
Toilets:
Toilets at start and finish (Andoom Oval), Mission River Bridge, Weipa Cricket Oval Rocky Point, Weipa Camp Grounds and Lake Patricia BBQ Area.
Is there somewhere to leave my gear?
Bags can be left, at your own risk, at the recording desk. Please do not leave valuables in bags as this area is not secure.
What roads will be closed?
Only McLeod Drive will be closed for the 5km and Fun Run.
Can I dress up in a costume?
Of course! The more fun you have at the event the better, so feel free to dress up in your favourite running gear, all-weather make-up and even a tiara and tutu. Or choose to wear your tailor-made Weipa Running Festival singlet. Consider the weather and that it gets hot, so dress sensibly!
Can I get a refund/Can I transfer my registration to another person? I am injured/sick/etc. and cannot run.
We appreciate that circumstances arise where you may no longer be able to participate in the event. Your registration is not transferable to other people nor can you hold it over to the next year’s event. A request for refund of the registration fee must be submitted to Weipa Running Festival at least one month prior to race day. A 25% administration fee applies to all refunds. PLEASE cancel your registration or inform the race director if you can no longer compete.
Can I change and do another event once I’ve registered?
Yes, as long as you pay the difference in price for any upgrade. Please note, we do not refund for the difference in price if you downgrade in distance. You may not receive a personalised bib if you have made changes after the order date.
Do I have to register my child if they are in a pram (5km and Fun Run only)?
Yes. For insurance purposes, all participants’ details must be recorded. There is no charge for a child in a pram.
Do I have to enter online?
Marathon and Half Marathon entries are processed online ONLY as this enables us to manage all aspects of the event accurately. Cut off for online entries are 11.59pm, 18th July 2025. Online entries for the 10km, 5km and fun run/walk are also online. Payment is via credit card, debit card or PayPal. On the day registrations are available for 2.5km only, registrations close at 7.30am.
Registrations for the 10km and 5km close at 12pm Saturday 19th July 2025.
What does my entry fee pay for?
Please refer to the event information page.
How much does it cost to participate and what are the cut-off dates?
Race fees can be viewed on the individual race pages.
What is the terrain like?
Flat, dirt roads, dirt tracks, shared bitumen and concrete footpaths, hard beach sand.
What training do I need?
It is recommended that you follow a training program for at least 8-12 weeks to prepare for the event.
Is there a cut off time?
All competitors will be allowed to finish the race in their own time – within reason. Race officials can, and will withdraw competitors from the course if required.
Who can participate?
Anyone is welcome to participate if they want to run or walk. For the safety of the walkers will be directed to start behind the runners.
Is there mandatory gear?
Yes. All competitors must wear the race bib they are assigned. Mandatory Gear will be checked at race check in.
HALF MARATHON & MARATHON ENTRANTS
Mandatory gear for all competitors in the Half Marathon & Marathon Races:
- Closed-in shoes
- Smart Snake Bandage
- Whistle.
- Water carrier (e.g. hydration pack) with a 1.L minimum capacity to be carried at all times.
- Head lamp (drop boxes on course will be available)
- Individual competitors: race bib to be worn on your front and visible at all times (supplied by Weipa Running Festival).
- TEAM competitors: race bib to be worn on your front and back and visible at all times (supplied by Weipa Running Festival).
- Shoe Tag timer – this will be provided upon race check.
Mandatory gear for all competitors in the 10km race:
- Closed-in shoes.
- Smart Snake Bandage
- Individual competitors: race bib to be worn on your front and visible at all times (supplied by Weipa Running Festival).
- We recommended you take your quick cup on course.
- Shoe Tag timer – this will be provided upon race check.
Mandatory gear for all competitors in the 5km & 2.5km fun run:
- Individual competitors: race bib to be worn on your front and visible at all times (supplied by Weipa Running Festival).
- Shoe Tag timer – this will be provided upon race check.
Are there any restrictions?
Yes. Marathon and Half Marathon races –18 years or older on race day. Under 18yrs upon application.
Minimum age for the 10km and 5km is 12 years. However, we will allow those aged 10-11 (for the 10km) to participate as long as they have a parent/guardian with them AT ALL TIMES. The parent/guardian must also be registered for the race.
You need to request special permission if your child is younger than the ages stipulated. Please contact Weipa Running Festival at least three weeks before the event. Due to safety concerns scooters, bicycles, rollerblades and animals are not allowed.
5km course Competitors under 12yrs old no longer require an adult with them. We STRONGLY recommend you gauge your child’s ability before race day for the sake of their and the other runners race.
Where and when is the event held?
The start/finish line is located at Andoom Oval, with a staggered start from 5.00am. There is street parking available.
