FAQ'S
What date is the Port Fairy Community Running Festival in 2025?
The fourth running of the Port Fairy and Community Running Festival will be Sunday 16 February 2025
How do I register?
Entry Fee: Marathon $119, Half Marathon $79, 10km $39, 5km $25, 2.5km $15
Online registration click here
Online registration remains open until 1 hour before each event. Note that entry fees on race day are increased (Marathon $145, Half Marathon $109, 10km $50, 5km $35, 2.5km $20) and you won't be able to have your name on your bib!
What happens in the event of inclement weather?
If there are any threatening weather conditions including thunderstorms, electrical storms, extreme heat, heavy rain or other major weather conditions on the day of the Event, at the sole discretion of the Event Organisers, the Event may be delayed, cancelled or course altered. If weather conditions force cancellation of the Event, no refunds can be provided, as the funds will have been spent in preparation for race day.
What does my entry fee include?
- Personalised race bib with official recorded time (recorded by Tomato Timing)
- Access to water stations around the course
- Marathon runners will receive a gold coloured metal medallion. All other participants will receive a sustainable medallion created from recycled materials
- Certificate of completion emailed following the race
- Traffic management until 1pm (Marathon and 21km course)
- Insurance
- First Aid and amenities
What merchandise will be available?
A limited number of Port Fairy Marathon Marathon event t-shirts will be available for pre-sale in adults and Childrens sizes for $25. A limited number of running shirts, caps and visors are also available for. Merchandise and raceday pack will be available from Railway Place on Friday 16 February 6-8pm, Saturday 17 February from 11am-5pm and from 6am on race morning. Merchandise can be purchased until sold out through the registration process here
Tell me about the early registration competition
Watch this space!
What do I need to do once I have entered online?
Once you have entered online via the register now page you will receive an email confirming your entry. You do not need to do anything further until collecting your raceday pack. Raceday pack will be available from Railway Place on Friday 16 February 6-8pm, Saturday 17 February from 10am-5pm and from 6am on race morning. We encourage participants to pick up on Saturday to avoid the raceday rush!
Is there a discount for paying early?
No, but paying before 20 January will ensure a personalised race bib. Entry fees on race day are increased (see above) and you won't be able to have your name on your bib!
When do online entries close?
You can register online up to one hour before the event. Note that entry fees on race day are increased (see above) and you won't be able to have your name on your bib!
Can I enter on the day?
Yes, entries will be permitted on the day of the via the ONLINE booking system ONLY. Online entry will be available up to one hour prior to the event. Entry in person at Railway Place. Note that entry fees on race day are increased (Marathon $145, Half Marathon $109, 10km $50, 5km $35, 2.5km $20) and you won't be able to have your name on your bib!
Can I register a team or group?
If you wish to create a group, you can do so during the registration process. There is a section called "Group" which allows a team leader to create a group which individual runners can then join! Confirmation on prizes for 2025 coming soon!
You may want to create a group to be eligible for our group records as well as arrange separate fundraising for a cause close to your heart!
Can I change events?
Yes you can change events but you will not receive a refund for the difference in moving from (eg) marathon to half marathon.
How many people can I have in a team?
You can have as many team members as you wish entered into any event. Team members do not have to be registered in the same event.
I've already registered but I want to join a team.
If you wish to join a team, reach out your group organiser and obtain the group registration details. You can update your registration using Register Now. Your event confirmation email will contain a link to update your registration details.
Do the events have an age limit?
Port Fairy Marathon - 16 years of age
Port Fairy Half Marathon - 12 years of age
Port Fairy 10km - 10 years of age
Port Fairy 5km - No age limit
Port Fairy 2.5km - No age limit
Guardians must ensure that the young person they are entering into the event is appropriately supervised at all times during the event.
How do I register as a companion?
To register as a companion for a person in need of assistance in the Port Fairy Marathon and Community Running Festival, please email portfairymarathon@gmail.com to complete the companion application.
Please note, once you have applied to be a companion you will be eligible to collect a companion bib. Companion bibs will not be timed and will not be included in official results.
Can my dog run with me?
No animals will be permitted on the course other than those accredited as guide and assistance dogs. To take part with an accredited animal please contact the event organisers.
Is the event accessible with prams?
The 5km course is not designed for prams as it includes stairs and a boardwalk. The 2.5km is paved, flat and more suitable for prams. However if you do choose to run (or walk) the 5km course with a pram please be mindful of faster runners!
Is the event accessible to wheelchairs?
Yes! Our new runner friendly course is wider, car free and with no stairs allowing for greater access for wheelchair athletes.
What time does registration close on the day of the event?
Registrations for all categories will be available online until 1 hour before each event. Note that entry fees on race day are increased (see above) and you won't be able to have your name on your bib!
Where do I collect my race bib?
Raceday pack will be available from Railway Place on Friday 16 February 6-8pm, Saturday 17 February from 10am-5pm and from 6am on race morning. We encourage participants to pick up their pack on Friday or Saturday to avoid the raceday queue's.
What does an eco friendly event mean?
- Biodegradable wooden participation medals with biodegradable bamboo lanyards will be provided at the finish line for collection.
- Offsetting carbon emissions by partnering with the ‘Friends of the Rail Trail’ to plant over 350 trees between Port Fairy and Warrnambool.
- Biodegradable cups provided at drink stations. Participant water bottles taken to all drink stations.
- Wooden signs are used around the course, no new plastic markers bought, all plastic on course on loan from local sporting clubs and returned after the event. Many other materials used to support the event (e.g. tables, chairs, eskys, marquees) are borrowed and returned or recycled from other uses.
- Limited printed promotional material.
What time does the event start?
Port Fairy Marathon 7:00am
Port Fairy Half Marathon 7:00am
Port Fairy 10km 10:00am
Port Fairy 5km 11:00am
Port Fairy 2.5km 11:15am
All events start and finish at Railway Place, Bank St Port Fairy.
Where can I park during the event?
Port Fairy has free parking in the streets surrounding the town centre. There is a small carpark at the entrance of the rail trail, opposite Railway Place at "Fishermans Walk", as well as additional parking at the football and netball grounds entering off Griffiths Street, Port Fairy. Most accommodation is in walking distance and would make a great warm up for the event!
Where is Railway Place?
In the heart of town on Bank St. Google map reference https://goo.gl/maps/zx8dQ96Xtp2Jg5Cn8
Where does the course go?
The marathon begins at Railway Place and takes in the Botanic Gardens, East Beach, the historic port and wharf, wetlands and South Beach. Click here to view the course maps.
What is the course elevation for the marathon?
A general description of the course is that it is fairly flat with the occasional rise.
42km - Total elevation gain - 235m
21km - Total elevation gain - 117m
10km - Total elevation gain - 58m
5km - Total elevation gain - 33m
2.5km - Total elevation gain - n/a
Where do you recommend watching the event?
The finish line at Railway Place is certainly the best place to support participants but a few other key vantage points are:
- East Beach
- South Beach
- The Wharf
Is there an after party?
Yes! The "Oak and Anchor" on Bank St - directly across the road from our Railway Place start/finish area will have live music and drink specials from 12pm on raceday. We would love to see all particopants and supporters come together post race to celebrate a wonderful day.
Can i run with headphones?
We strongly discourage the use of headphones on the course. If you do choose to use headphones while running, please ensure that you are still able to hear what is happening around you.
Can I be a volunteer? Where do I go on the day?
We would love as many volunteers as we can get on the day. Please click here to go to the sign up page.
What are the drink stations and can provide my own drinks?
| Marathon |
coming soon |
|---|---|
| Half Marathon | coming soon |
| 10km | coming soon |
In the event of hot weather extra (mini) drink stations may be provided. We are happy to take clearly labelled drink bottles for each participant from the start/finish area and deliver them to the required drink station. Please ensure your name is clearly marked as well as the drink station you require the relevant bottle delivered to. Drinks must be provided by 6:30am on race day. These station numbers will be provided closer to the date.
Station One -
Station Two -
Station Three -
Station Four -
Station Five -
Station Six -
Station Seven -
Will the course be distance marked?
Key distance markers and turn arounds will be placed around the course.
Is the course certified?
Yes! The marathon, half marathon and 10km have now been officially recognised by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). You can qualify for events such as the Boston Marathon at Port Fairy one of only two events in Victoria that you can do so.
Will the course be marshalled?
Traffic Controllers will be positioned at various locations around the marathon and half marathon course. Marshalls will also be positioned around the course for the 10km and 5km events. First aid officers will also be accessible around the course.
Is there an official photographer?
This year we will be teaming up with RaceAtlas to bring you your race day photos on the same day as the event! You can check for your photos here. You will receive a text message as soon as photos have been added to your gallery and then again once all of your photos have been processed. RaceAtlas will be offering a special race day discount, with 20% off all purchases on event day only using the code: PF20.
A selection of free photographs will be available on our facebook page (linked from navigation on this website).
Is there a bag drop?
Yes, there will be a bag drop available at Railway Place. A small donation will be requested.
Are there any prizes in 2025?
All participants will receive a sustainable medallion created from recycled materials
Group Prize
Most kilometres run - coming soon!
Marathon (Female and Open)
Coming soon!
Half Marathon (Female and Open)
Coming soon!
10km (Female and Open)
Coming soon!
5km (Female and Open)
Coming soon!
2.5km Juniors
Coming soon!
Marathon - Open
Coming soon!
Marathon - Women
Coming soon!
Who is your community partner?
We are thrilled to continue our community partnership with Syngap Research Fund Australia. Syngap1 Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder caused by a mutation on the SYNGAP1 gene. It leads to several neurological issues in Syngap patients. Through this partnership, we want to raise awareness of Syngap and help funds for research into a cure. For more information: https://www.syngapaustralia.org/
Will there be a presentation?
A presentation will occur at 11:30am. All presentations will be completed by midday.
Will there be food & beverage options?
A small number of food and beverage vendors will be selling food and drinks at Railway Place. You are welcome to bring a packed lunch/picnic to enjoy during the event, Port Fairy town centre is only metres away where you will find an array of takeaway or dine in catering options. You are not permitted to bring alcohol.
Will there be toilet facilties on site?
Portable toilets will be available at the start/finish line. Public toilets are also available at the corner of Sackville and Bank Streets as well as at the football and netball club on Griffiths Street. Accessible public toilets are also available on South Beach, East Beach, Martins Point and Rogers Place most of which are accessible on the course.
Will there be medical assistance available?
Yes trained first aid officers will be on hand to provide medical assistance throughout the day.
Event marshals will also be situated around the course to assist with any medical issues.
You must ensure you are medically fit to participate in this event.
Is the event time recorded?
All competitors who complete the full course (42.2km, 21.1km, 10km, 5km & 2.5km events) will receive an official time. Those who do not complete the course will be classified as DID NOT FINISH (DNF), with no times recorded. Official event results will be posted on www.portfairymarathon.com.au after the event.
Is there a time limit?
Yes. The course will close and timing will cease at 1pm.
Marathon cutoff times:
21.1km - 9:45am
28.5km - 10:50am
33.5km - 11.30am
Please see event info
If I am unable to participate on the day, can I transfer my entry?
Unfortunately, transfers of entry are not permitted under any circumstance. If a competitor is found to be using another person’s number/timing piece, results will not be recorded. However, you can amend your race entry if you are wanting to compete in a different event. Please refer to your confirmation email for details.
If I am unable to participate on the day, will I receive a refund?
Until midnight on 20 January 2025 a participant can withdraw from the Event and be refunded the entry fee minus a $10 administration fee. A refund may not be provided to a participant who withdraws after this date. See Terms and Conditions for more details.
Do you have any supporters in putting on this event?
The event is put on by the Port Fairy Consolidated School Parents and Friends Committee. This event has been supported by Moyne Shire Council, who provided funding support through the Community Grants Fund.
The event is also auspiced by Port Fairy Tourism Association Inc.
We thank all our supporters for the help they have provided. The Event would not have been possible without them!
What happens in the event of a Covid-19 outbreak?
The health and wellbeing of our participants and community is paramount and will guide any decision the event committee makes. We will operate in a Covid-safe environment and will endeavour to see the event take place. However, if the Victorian state government enforce restrictions relating to Covid-19 that, in the opinion of the Event Organisers, mean the Event cannot proceed either directly or indirectly due to restrictions, limits on numbers or compliance requirements, participants may be refunded the entry fee minus a $10 administration fee
