FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
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The sixth edition of the Port Fairy Marathon will take place on 21 February 2027.
Entries will open for the 2027 Port Fairy Marathon on 23 August 2026.
We're having a launch party and 30min run/walk/roll to celebrate registration entries with a free breakfast BBQ and fantastic prizes on offer.
To RSVP for the launch event Click here
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YOUR RACE ENTRY FEE INCLUDES:
Race bib, timing chip & safety pins
Professional timing provided by Tomato Timing
Opportunity to run on fully closed roads, on an AIMS Certified Course
Access to hydration stations around the course
Insurance
First aid & amenities
A donation to the Port Fairy Consolidated School
RACE FINISHERS WILL ALSO RECEIVE:
A finishers medal
Digital certificate of completion
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WHAT IS THE REFUND POLICY?
All tickets purchased are non-refundable. However, Race Roster Enhanced Refund Protection is available for purchase during the registration process (note: this cannot be added in retrospect).
CLICK HERE for more information on the Program.
If you have purchased insurance and would like a refund CLICK HERE for instructions.
CAN I DEFER MY ENTRY?
No*. We will not be offering deferrals for the 2027 Port Fairy Marathon.
*If you become pregnant in the lead-up to the 2027 Port Fairy Marathon and can no longer race, we will offer a deferral for up to 3 years. Please email us at info@portfairymarathon.com.au.
CAN I TRANSFER TO A DIFFERENT DISTANCE?
Yes, you can transfer to a different distance (provided it is not sold out) via Race Roster. If moving to a longer distance, you will be charged the price difference. There is no refund in price difference when downgrading distances.
CAN I TRANSFER MY REGISTRATION TO SOMEONE ELSE?
Yes, you can transfer your entry to another participant via Race Roster. Person to person transfers are $10.00. The original entry holder will have their entry refunded (minus the $10.00 fee) once the transfer has been completed by the new participant.
*Please note: Transfer recipients will pay the current price of the entry ticket. Once you’ve collected your bib on event weekend, you cannot transfer to someone else.
NOTE: Be aware of online scams. All payments for transfers should be made via the Race Roster platform. Please do not transfer money directly to someone claiming they have an entry to our event. Reach out to us if you are unsure: info@portfairymarathon.com.au
CAN I GIVE MY BIB TO SOMEONE ELSE WITHOUT TRANSFERRING?
No. It is important that we have a record of every participant on course for insurance and medical purposes. Port Fairy Marathon reserves the right to disqualify any participant who is found to be running with a race bib registered to someone else.
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Event weekend: Collect your race pack at the Event Village located in Railway Place (Bank St, Port Fairy) on Friday 19 February, Saturday 20 February and in the morning of the 21 February (bib collections close 30 mins before each event).
Can't make it? A friend or family member can collect your race pack for you.
Lost your bib between Saturday & Race morning?
Limited bib replacements will be available for a $20 fee at Race Bib CollectionCheck the event schedule for exact dates/times
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IS THE EVENT TIMED?
Yes – the event is professionally timed by Tomato Timing.
WHERE DO I FIND THE EVENT RESULTS & PREVIOUS RACE RECOURDS?
HOW DO I GET A MITIME MEDAL INSERT?
Order your MiTime when you register via Race Roster. You can add this to your registration later via the Race Roster store on your personal Race Roster Dashboard.
HOW ARE PRIZES AWARDED WHEN IT COMES TO TIMING?
In line with World Athletics rules, the winner of each race is decided by gun time (the from when the starter’s gun goes off). The participant who crosses the line first is the winner. All participants will have their chip time (the time from when their bib crossed the start line) recorded, but chip time is not used to determine the winners.
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Our friends from NORTHSOUTH (previously known as RaceAtlas) will be back again event taking epic event pictures! Photos will be available post event for purchase. 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.
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YES!
WHERE CAN I BUY MERCH?
Official event merchandise will be available through the Race Roster store. It will also be available at the Event Village next to Bib Pick-up in Railway Place, Port Fairy from 12pm Friday 19 February
I’M NOT PLANNING ON ENTERING THE EVENT. CAN I STILL BUY MERCH ON RACE ROSTER?
We’re working on a solution for you - hang tight!
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WHERE DO THE RACES START AND FINISH?
The main event hub located at Railway Place, Bank St, Port Fairy. Each race starts and finishes right out the front of the Scout Hall on Bank Street.
HAVE YOUR COURSES BEEN CERTIFIED BY AIMS AND WORLD ATHLETICS?
Yes. Our courses have been certified to AIMS (Association of International Marathons and Distance Races) and World Athletics standards. Each of our courses has been measured by Dave Cundy, our Technical Director who is Australia’s foremost authority on course design and measurement. The certification of our courses means you can run a qualifying time in Port Fairy to get into the ballot for a major marathon like Boston.
ARE YOUR COURSES ENTIRELY ON ROADS?
Yes, our courses are on wide, flat and scenic bitumen roads around Port Fairy. Our courses don’t include any footpaths or gravel sections (or the iconic stairs from the first years!). View course maps on each event page and find us on Strava!
WHAT ARE THE ELEVATION PROFILES OF YOUR COURSES?
Each of our courses is flat and fast. Perfect for running a PB! The elevation gains on each course are as follows:
Marathon – 235m (4 laps)
Half Marathon – 117m (2 laps)
10km – 58m
5km – 33m
1.5km – N/A
WHAT ARE THE CUT-OFF TIMES FOR THE PORT FAIRY MARATHON AND THE HALF MARATHON?
The cut-off times for the Marathon are:
21.1km - 9:45am
31.6km - 11.30amAdherence to these cut-off times will ensure roads can be reopened in accordance with our event permits.
Cut off times are based on chip time (when you cross the start mat) not gun time (when the starters horn goes off).
HOW HAVE YOU DECIDED YOUR CAP NUMBERS?
Our entry caps have been carefully developed in collaboration with Marcel Altenburg, a leading Crowd Scientist from Manchester Metropolitan University, who advises major marathons such as New York, Boston, London and Berlin. These limits are essential to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants and our crew and are based on various data points, including anticipated no-shows.
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ARE THERE AGE RESTRICTIONS?
Yes - we have some age restrictions, depending on the distance.
5KM & 1.5KM: All ages welcome! However, all entrants aged 9 and under must be accompanied by a registered adult.
10KM: Must be 13 years or older on the day of the event.
Half Marathon: Must be 16 years or older on the day of the event.
Marathon: Must be 18 years or older on the day of the event.
*Guardians must ensure that the young person they are entering into the event is appropriately supervised at all times during the event.
Volunteers must be over the age of 18 unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Families are welcome to volunteer together!
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Yes – our Pace Team provides pacing for the Half Marathon and Marathon distances.
If you’d like to apply to be a Pacer in 2027, applications will open in October 2026.
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ARE THERE PRIZES FOR PLACEGETTERS?
Yes – prizes for the top 3 participants in both the Female and Open categories will be available. Additionally, there is a course record bonus for the Open and Female categories in the Marathon. See THIS page for the current records.
WHO GETS A FINISHERS’ MEDAL?
Everyone who completes the 1.5km, 5km, 10km, Half Marathon and Marathon will receive a finishers’ medal.
HOW IS THE WINNER DECIDED WHEN IT COMES TO TIMING?
In line with World Athletics rules, the winner of each race is decided by gun time (the from when the starter’s gun goes off). The athlete who crosses the line first is the winner. All results will display a participants gun time and net time (the time you physically crossed the start mat after the gun), but net time is not used to determine the winners.
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CAN I USE A RUNNING VEST/BELT?
Yes, we encourage the use of running vests/belts, particularly when it comes to carrying hydration. This helps us reduce the number of single-use cups we need to provide and helps you make sure you get the hydration you need/prefer!
CAN I USE A WHEELCHAIR, PUSH A PRAM OR HAVE AN ASSISTANCE DOG WITH ME IN A RACE?
Wheelchair users in a day chair, anyone pushing a pram or participating with an assistance dog are allowed in all distances, but must start at the back of the field for safety reasons . Cut-off times must be observed. Hand cycles are not permitted in any distance.
If you plan to participate using a race chair or as a frame runner, get in touch with us via info@portfairymarathon.com.au so we can seed you appropriately at the start line.
CAN I RUN WITH HEADPHONES?
Open ear or bone conducting headphones are allowed.
We strongly discourage the use of in or over ear headphones on the course. You should not run with noise cancelling headphones.
We will have a range of on course entertainment and plenty of spectators to keep the vibes high!
If you do choose to use headphones while running, please ensure that you are still able to hear what is happening around you.
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HOW DO I FUNDRAISE?
The Port Fairy Marathon is proud to partner with the SynGap Australia as our Headline Charity Partner.
Visit the ‘Fundraising’ page for more information on how to fundraise.
HOW CAN I FUNDRAISE FOR A CHARITY OF MY CHOICE?
You are most welcome to include a charity of your choice to fundraise for. Visit the ‘Fundraising’ page for more information.
To keep things fair, we have not given priority to any charity other than our local headline charity partner.
Charities are ordered based on total donations. To move your charity of choice up the list, we encourage you to share your fundraising page with your networks and encourage support via donations.
CAN I FUNDRAISE FOR MY CLUB/COMMUNITY GROUP?
Yes, you can fundraise by volunteering at our event! Visit our ‘Volunteer’ page for more information.
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Volunteering is a great way to be part of the event. We have roles for everyone!
HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?
View more info on general volunteering HERE.
Pace Team applications open 1 October 2026
I WOULD LIKE TO SIGN MY CLUB UP FOR GROUP VOLUNTEERING & FUNDRAISING:
Email us via info@portfairymarathon.com.au
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DO YOU HAVE AN ELITE PROGRAM?
Yes - we run a small elite program. If you’d like be seeded at the front of the pack to have the best crack at winning prize money, get in touch with us!
Make sure you let us know your name, your chosen distance PB + date achieved and give us some info on your recent form.
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Bringing a crew with you?
Get in touch regarding team discounts & a space in the Team/Club Tent Zone.
info@portfairymarathon.com.au -
Most local accommodation is within walking distance, making it a perfect pre-event warm-up! If you do need to drive, see below:
Town Centre Streets: Free street parking is available.
Football & Netball Grounds: Extra parking available (enter via Griffiths Street).
Rail Trail Entrance: Small car park located opposite Railway Place.
Railway Place: Very limited parking spaces; avoid if possible.