Runner’s Guide
Welcome to 2024 McGrath Wollongong Running Festival. 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 2 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 Sponsors 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 lush, mixed terrain 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 leave it all on the course!
The Wollongong Running Festival team cannot wait to welcome you to Wollongong and cheer you on as you cross that finish line!
Event Schedule
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.
| Time | Event | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00am | Illawarra Credit Union 10km Race Start | Stuart Park, start line |
| 7:20am | Ericom Half Marathon Wave 1 Start (Under 1 hour and 45 minutes) | Stuart Park, start line |
| 7:25am | Ericom Half Marathon Wave 2 Start (Over 1 hour and 45 minutes) | Stuart Park, start line |
| 8:45am | SAVVY Mark Scott 5km Race Start | Stuart Park, start line |
| 9:30am | Peoplecare 2km Fun Run Race Start | Stuart Park, start line |
| 10:00am | Awards presentation | Stuart Park Precinct |
Event Precinct Layout
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.
Bib collection
Pre-event bib collection
Pre-race-day bib collection will be available on:
Friday 31 May, 12pm-4pm
Saturday 1 June, 8am -12pm
Our event crew will be set up at Stuart Park on the corner of Cliff Road and George Hanley Drive, North Wollongong for bib collection prior to race day. See exact location here.
We strongly advise that you pick up your bib before race day to avoid long waiting periods.
If you have any questions relating to pre-event bib collection, please contact us via email: info@wollongongrunningfestival.com
Race day bib collection
We encourage you to collect your bib prior to race day, however bib collection will also be available on the day.
Bib collection for each race will be available at the following times:
Illawarra Credit Union 10km: From 6am
Ericom Half Marathon: From 6am
SAVVY Mark Scott 5km: From 7:30am
Peoplcare 2km Kids Fun Run: From 7:30am
Race Day Information
Race bib
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.
Race start
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.
First aid stations
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:
Northern Precinct
Event Precinct
Southern Precinct
There will be marshals on course to assist with runner and public safety.
Massage
Post race massage therapy and injury management will be run by the SAVVY Physiotherapy team at the SAVVY tent. View the venue map for location.
Cost: FREE for 10 minutes
No bookings required
Hydration Stations
There will be three hydration stations throughout the course where runners can collect water as they run past. These stations will be located at the following locations:
Endeavour Drive, Wollongong Lighthouse
Stuart Park, North Wollongong
Puckey's Reserve Fairy Meadow
Water and fruit will be provided at the finish line.
Half Marathon waves
Our half marathon event is split into two waves. The first wave is for runners who will complete the race in under 1hr 45 minutes, and the second wave is for those who will finish in over 1hr 45 minutes.
We strongly encourage you to choose the wave that suits your pace.
Course information
Peoplecare Kids 2km Fun Run
Illawarra Credit Union 10km
SAVVY Mark Scott 5km
Ericom Half Marathon
Race Rules
All race courses use public pathways only. Runners are not permitted to run on the roads.
We do not permit prams or accompanying animals in our events.
Athletes are discouraged to use headphones and personal music devices.
Health and Safety
Keep to the left of the course to allow runners to pass on the right.
Be courteous to your fellow athletes, and the public using the pathways
Obey instructions given from race officials and volunteers
Timing
Overall distance placings will be based on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Male and Female runner across the finish line.
Runner’s times will be tracked using timing mats located at all start lines and at the finish line.
The cut off time for the Ericom Half Marathon will be 3 hours.
Post-race information
Results
Results will be available shortly after your race via the Wollongong Running Festival website.
Finisher medal collection
After you have crossed 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, you can go celebrate your achievement with your friends and family.
Photography
We have a team of photographers posted around the course to get in-action photos of you as you run.
If you see these photographers on the day, give them your biggest smile to show how much you love running.
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 until midnight on Sunday using the code: GONG20
Personal belongings
There is no bag drop at this event, as the races start and end at the same location.
Any lost and found will be taken to the registration tent for collection.
Presentation and Prizes
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 |
|
| Illawarra Credit Union 10km | Prize Money |
|
| SAVVY Mark Scott 5km | ‘On’ Running Voucher |
|
| Peoplecare 2km Kids Fun Run | ‘Athlete’s Foot’ Running voucher |
|
Spot Prizes on the day
We have fantastic spot prizes and vouchers that will be distributed on the day thanks to:
Athlete's Foot
LSKD
Coast to Mountain Running
My First Gym
LokaMo
SAVVY
General information
Parking
Stuart 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 with Endeavour Drive, Marine Drive, Cliff Road, and side streets south/west of Stuart 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.
Public Transport
Wollongong is located on Sydney Train’s South Coast Line. Sydney Trains operate commuter trains at regular intervals to Wollongong. North Wollongong Station is the closest 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.
Bike Parking
If you prefer to ride, there is ample bike parking nearby the event precinct where you can lock up your bike while you run.
Volunteers
The McGrath Wollongong Running Festival relies on the hardwork and dedication of around 80 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!
Cancellation and Postponement Policy
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.