Over 3,000 runners took part in Wollongong’s biggest running event to date on Sunday 1 June 2025.
Wollongong, NSW: The sun was shining and spirits were high as a record-breaking 3,000+ registered runners laced up for this morning’s McGrath Wollongong Running Festival. The turnout marked the largest attendance in the event’s history.
Participants across the country descended on the Gong to race in one of four distances: the Ericom Half Marathon, Illawarra Credit Union 10km, React Facility Solutions 5km Fun Run, dedicated to Mark Scott and the Peoplecare Kids 2km Fun Run.
This year’s event marked a major milestone as all courses incorporated closed roads for the first time, allowing runners to experience uninterrupted views as they raced along Marine Drive, Cliff Road and Endeavour Drive. Runners were treated to the best of Wollongong’s coastline, soaking in sunrise visas along the Blue Mile and Flagstaff Hill Lighthouse.
Adding to the atmosphere, the event precinct in Lang Park offered a bustling variety of food vendors, local exhibitors, and live entertainment for runners, their friends and family members throughout the morning.
Race Director Angela Saville says that today’s turnout was a huge leap forward for the event.
“To have open road access and more than 3,000 people taking part is a testament to the growing passion for running in the Illawarra.”
In addition, just under 100 volunteers lined the course to support and cheer the runners. Angela heralds these volunteers as the best in the region, commending them on their contribution to community spirit.
“This event can not run without our volunteers. From course setup, to water station management and marshalling, our allcare Volunteers motivated our runners to cross the finish line.”
Results by Event
Ericom Half Marathon – 21.1km
Male: 1st – Samuel Jones, 01:09:48 (M30-39) | 2nd – Myles Gough, 01:10:09 (M30-39) | 3rd – Jonathan McLennan, 01:11:33 (M30-39)
Female: 1st – Georgia Barr, 1:22:13 (F20-29) | 2nd – Lili Mooney 01:26:37 (M30-39) | 3rd – Georgie McBride, 01:28:24 (F40-49)
Illawarra Credit Union 10km
Male: 1st – Nathaniel Brisbane, 00:32:20 (M20-29) | 2nd – Nawaaz Khalfan 00:33:05 (M30-39) | 3rd – Liam Henderson, 00:34:55 (M20-29)
Female: 1st – Katie Mahoney, 00:38:42 (F30-39) | 2nd – Meg Isbester, 00:39:19 (F20-29) | 3rd – Caitlyn Brazier, 00:39:57 (F17-19)
React Facility Solutions 5km Fun Run, dedicated to Mark Scott
Male: 1st – Mark Langley 00:15:58 (M30-39) | 2nd – William Wei, 00:16:33 (M15-19) | 3rd – Jared Eyb, 00:16:45 (M20-29)
Female: 1st – Emily Rogers, 00:17:07 (F15-19) | 2nd – Genevieve Mackey, 00:20:05 (F30-39) | 3rd – Jasmine Corbett, 00:20:10 (F10-14)
Peoplecare Kids 2km Fun Run
Male: 1st – Archie Galvin, 00:06:42 | 2nd Kurtis Brown, 00:07:02 | 3rd – Zach Johnson, 00:07:15
Female: 1st – Abby Sharratt, 00:07:31 | 2nd – Annabel Constable, 00:07:53 | 3rd – Evie Towse, 00:08:22
The McGrath Wollongong Running Festival rewarded all runners who crossed the finish line with a commemorative medal. Runners have also been invited to enter into the 2026 event, with registrations now officially open.
Race results can be found here: https://thetimingguysresults.com/wollongongrunningfestival/2025
For media inquiries or interviews with event organisers or winners, please contact Kara Agostinho via phone on 0448 181 107, or via email at marketing@wollongongrunningfestival.com
