Run Fest Central Coast returns to The Entrance on Sunday 27 September 2026, bringing runners together for a scenic day of racing beside Tuggerah Lakes.
From the full Central Coast Marathon and Half Marathon to the 10km, 5km and family-friendly 3km event, there is a distance for experienced runners, casual competitors and families alike.
If you’re travelling to the Central Coast for race weekend, ibis Styles The Entrance makes a convenient base, with comfortable accommodation, free onsite parking and a location around a 6 minute drive from Memorial Park, where every race finishes.
Here are the important details to know before race weekend:
| Event | Run Fest Central Coast 2026 |
| Date | Sunday 27 September 2026 |
| Location | The Entrance, Central Coast NSW |
| Finish | Memorial Park, The Entrance |
| Distances | Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km, 5km and 3km Family Fun Run |
| Race bib collection | Saturday 26 September at Mingara One |
| Online entries close | Midnight Wednesday 23 September 2026, subject to capacity |
All races start underneath The Entrance Bridge before finishing in Memorial Park, putting some of the Central Coast’s best waterfront scenery at the heart of the event.
Race start times vary by distance, so an overnight stay in The Entrance can make those early starts much easier.
| Distance | Start Time |
|---|---|
| Half Marathon | 6:30am |
| Central Coast Marathon | 6:45am |
| 10km | 7:00am |
| 5km | 10:30am |
| 3km Family Fun Run | 11:00am |
The Half Marathon, Marathon and 10km all begin before 7:00am, making staying nearby particularly useful for runners who want to avoid a very early drive from Sydney, Newcastle or elsewhere on the Central Coast.
For runners taking on the ultimate challenge, the full marathon follows a fast, flat and scenic course through The Entrance and alongside Tuggerah Lakes.
The route starts underneath The Entrance Bridge before travelling north towards Canton Beach, returning through The Entrance and continuing south towards Chittaway Bay before finishing at Memorial Park.
The 21.1km Half Marathon is an out-and-back course, beginning at The Entrance Bridge before following The Entrance Road and cycleway towards Chittaway Bay.
Its relatively flat waterfront route makes it an appealing Central Coast half marathon for runners chasing a time or looking for a scenic spring event.
The 10km event offers plenty of the atmosphere of race day without the distance of the marathon or half marathon.
The out-and-back course starts underneath The Entrance Bridge, follows the waterfront route north and finishes in Memorial Park.
The 5km is ideal for recreational runners, groups of friends and anyone looking to take part in the Run Fest atmosphere over a shorter distance.
Travelling with the family? The 3km Family Fun Run gives younger runners and families a chance to be part of race day too.
Prams are permitted, although participants with prams are asked to begin at the back of the field. Pets are not permitted in the race or event precinct.
Race bibs cannot be collected on race morning.
For runners collecting in person, race kit collection takes place at Mingara One on Saturday 26 September 2026, from:
10:00am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 5:00pm
If you cannot attend, another person can collect on your behalf with a copy of your e-ticket. The event also offered race bib postage for those who selected it before the postage deadline.
This makes arriving on the Central Coast on Saturday a good option. You can collect your race pack, check into your accommodation and enjoy a relaxed evening before race day.
The longer Run Fest courses are described by the organisers as fast, flat and scenic, with routes taking runners around The Entrance and alongside the waterways of the Central Coast.
There are four aid stations on course, with runners accessing stations at approximately 2km intervals. Water and electrolytes are provided, and medical personnel are positioned at the race precinct and at points along the course.
It is a great setting for anyone who loves combining running with a coastal weekend away.
If you are searching for accommodation for Run Fest Central Coast, staying in The Entrance keeps you close to the action.
ibis Styles The Entrance overlooks Tuggerah Lakes and is around 2.3km from Memorial Park, where the races finish. It offers a comfortable base for runners, supporters and families spending the weekend on the Central Coast.
Free onsite parking
Leave the car at the hotel when it suits your race-day plans, without having to factor hotel parking fees into your weekend.
Comfortable rooms for a good night’s sleep
Rooms include ibis Sweet Bed™ bedding, a mini fridge, tea and coffee facilities and free Wi-Fi, giving runners somewhere comfortable to prepare, unwind and recover.
Close to the race precinct
Memorial Park is around 2.3km from the hotel, so you’re staying close to the start and finish precinct without needing to travel to the Central Coast early on race morning.
Dining next door
Guests have direct access to Diggers The Entrance and Outside-In Kitchen, with breakfast, lunch and dinner options available. It is an easy option for a relaxed meal before or after the event without travelling far from your room.
Fitness facilities nearby
Guests can also access discounted passes to Anytime 24/7 Fitness at the adjacent Diggers The Entrance, useful if you want access to gym facilities during your stay.
Room options for couples, friends and families
With Queen, King, Twin and family room configurations available, ibis Styles The Entrance works for solo runners as well as couples, friends and families travelling together.
Crossing the finish line does not have to mean heading straight home.
The Entrance is one of the Central Coast’s most popular waterfront destinations, set between Tuggerah Lake and the Pacific Ocean. Beaches, coastal walks, cafés and nearby Long Jetty give you plenty of reasons to stay for an extra night and enjoy a slower post-race afternoon.
After your run, head back to ibis Styles The Entrance, freshen up and enjoy some well-earned downtime overlooking the lake.
Whether you’re chasing a marathon PB, stepping up to your first half marathon, racing the 10km or getting the family involved in the shorter distances, Run Fest Central Coast is a brilliant way to experience The Entrance on foot.
With the early race starts and Saturday bib collection, turning the event into an overnight Central Coast stay makes race weekend considerably easier.
Book your stay at ibis Styles The Entrance and make yourself at home by the lake for Run Fest Central Coast 2026.
Run Fest Central Coast takes place on Sunday 27 September 2026 at The Entrance on the NSW Central Coast.
The races are held around The Entrance and Tuggerah Lakes. All events start underneath The Entrance Bridge and finish at Memorial Park in The Entrance.
Runners can enter the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km, 5km or 3km Family Fun Run.
The Central Coast Marathon starts at 6:45am on Sunday 27 September 2026. The Half Marathon begins at 6:30am and the 10km at 7:00am.
Staying in The Entrance gives runners easy access to the event precinct. ibis Styles The Entrance is around 2.3km from Memorial Park and offers free onsite parking, comfortable rooms, dining next door and views across Tuggerah Lakes.
