Sunday 1 June
Our team is very excited to see record numbers gearing up to race across all distances at this year’s event.
Please ensure that you read this Runners Guide thoroughly prior to Sunday 1 June, as it contains all of the most up-to-date information as we lead into race day.
A huge thank you goes to our Event Partners for making this event possible. A big thanks also goes out to the Wollongong community and volunteers who play a huge part in ensuring that this event is a great success.
We know you will enjoy running our course that highlights the very best of Wollongong’s scenic coastline, and afterwards, enjoy our bustling Event Precinct.
You’ve put in the hard work, it’s now time to get out there and realise your potential!
The Wollongong Running Festival team cannot wait to cheer you on as you cross that finish line!
Refer to the table below for the up-to-date race times.
Please ensure you arrive at the event precinct with enough time to park your car and warm up before your race starts.
The 2025 Wollongong Running Festival Precinct will be held at Lang Park, Wollongong. Check out the map of our event precinct to find out where the start/finish line is and what food, drink and retail stalls will be available on the day.
We recommend you collect your bib prior to race day. Pre-event race bibs can be collected from Novotel Wollongong North Beach. See dates and times for pick up below. On event day bib collection will be available from 6am.
If you have any questions relating to pre-event bib collection, contact us here.
| Date | Collection Times | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Event Bib Collection Friday 30 May |
12pm - 6pm | Novotel Foyer, Bourke Street, North Wollongong |
| Pre-Event Bib Collection Saturday 31 May |
12pm - 4pm | Novotel Foyer, Bourke Street, North Wollongong |
| Race Day Bib Collection Sunday 1 June |
10km: 6.00am - 6.30am Half Marathon: 6.00am - 6.45am 5km: 6.00am - 8.30am 2km Kids Fun Run: 6.00am - 8.30am | Bib Collection Tent, Lang Park, Marine Drive, Wollongong |
There will be a bag drop located next to the registration tent (check Precinct map for exact location).
This will not be a staffed area so we recommend that people don’t leave any valuables unattended.
Race bibs are to be worn on your front. Your timing chip is attached to your race bib. Be careful not to bend your bib prior to your race to avoid damaging your timing chip.
Runners capable of sub 4 minute per kilometer are recommended to place themselves at the front in the starting chute.
Your time will begin once you cross the start line. We ask those who are walking or jogging to place themselves at the back of the start group.
Yes. Trained staff from Wollongong First Aid will be posted throughout the course and event precinct to provide any necessary first aid on the day.
They will be located at the following locations:
There will be marshals on course to direct runners and public safety.
Yes. There will be four hydration stations throughout the course where runners can collect water as they run past. All aid stations will have electrolytes and gels provided by our Official Fuelling Partner, PURE Sports Nutrition.
These stations will be located at the following locations:
Yes. Physiotherapy and injury management will be run by the SAVVY Physiotherapy team at the SAVVY tent. View our Event Precinct map for exact location.
Results will be available shortly after your race via the Wollongong Running Festival website.
When you cross the finish line, please make your way to one of our volunteers who will be waiting to present you with your finisher medal.
After you have collected your medal, celebrate your achievement with your friends at the WRF photo board.
The Presentation will commence at 10am.
The following prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place male and female runners in each event:
| Event | Prize Type | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Ericom Half Marathon | Prize Money | First Prize - $500 Second Prize - $300 Third Prize - $200 |
| Illawarra Credit Union 10km | Prize Money | First Prize - $250 Second Prize - $150 Third Prize - $100 |
| React Facility Solutions 5km, dedicated to Mark Scott | Prize Money | First Prize - $250 Second Prize - $150 Third Prize - $100 |
| Peoplecare 2km Kids Fun Run | ‘Athlete’s Foot’ Running voucher | First Prize - $250 Second Prize - $150 Third Prize - $100 |
There will be a selection of fantastic spot prizes and vouchers that will be distributed on the day.
Lang Park is easily accessible with ample nearby parking within a short walking distance from the event precinct.
Stuart Park and North Beach are close by and side streets surrounding Lang Park all 400m – 1k walk.
There are multiple paid car parks in the city centre ranging from a 600m-1.2k walk from the event precinct.
Ensure you check parking signs as some parking in Wollongong is timed.
Wollongong is located on Sydney Train’s South Coast Line. Sydney Trains operate commuter trains at regular intervals to Wollongong. North Wollongong and Wollongong Station are close to the event precinct.
Wollongong also has two free bus services 55A and 55C that come every 20 minutes and loop around the CBD, past our event precinct, and into surrounding Wollongong suburbs. Check the loop and bus timetable here.
If you prefer to ride, there is ample bike parking nearby the event precinct where you can lock up your bike while you run.
The McGrath Wollongong Running Festival relies on the hard work and dedication of around 100 volunteers who help ensure the event runs safely and smoothly.
Make sure to keep an eye out for our volunteers on the day, and give them a big thank you for their time.
We wouldn’t be able to run the event without them!
We are unable to provide transfers or refunds inside 2 weeks of the event day.
The Wollongong Running Festival is committed to delivering a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants. However, circumstances beyond our control may require us to postpone or cancel the event.
Read our Cancellation and Postponement Policy here.
