Cocos (Keeling) Islands Marathon

The inaugural Cocos (Keeling) Islands Marathon takes place on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, starting at 4:00 PM local time (UTC+6:30) on West Island in the Shire of Cocos, Cocos (Keeling) Islands. This first-edition marathon (42.195 km) features a 6x7 km loop plus an extra 195 m, with a 10‑hour cutoff and a mandatory evening start requiring headlamps.

Event Logistics and Participant Information:

• Registration Deadline: Closes July 31, 2026, or when capacity is reached, whichever comes first. No refunds and no transfers.
• Mandatory Gear: Headlamps with sufficient battery life for the entire race, personal nutrition, hydration, and electrolytes. Participants may leave these items at the aid station checkpoint.
• Aid & Timing: One staffed volunteer aid station and timekeeper. All participants must use a smart watch and record their race on Garmin or Strava; failure to provide evidence results in disqualification.
• Race Briefing: Mandatory briefing on Tuesday, August 18 at 6:00 PM at Tropica Restaurant, West Island.
• Start Time Rationale: Evening start (4 PM local) accommodates local participants and final ferry schedules between West and Home Islands, and reduces heat stress for slower runners and walkers.
• Assumption of Risk: This is a “your own risk” event. No insurance is provided by organizers; adequate travel insurance is strongly recommended.
• Distance Certification: The 42.195 km course will be measured via GPS ahead of the race. The event coincides with the annual Christmas Island Marathon (August 16, 2026 – cimarathon.com).

Itinerary and Travel Context:

• August 15 – Fly Perth to Christmas Island; pasta dinner for Christmas Island Marathon.
• August 16 – Christmas Island Marathon; afternoon recovery.
• August 17 – Fly Christmas Island to Cocos Island; dinner at Surfer Girl Restaurant (own cost).
• August 18 – Free day; shakeout run with Hash House Harriers (local run club); carb‑loading dinner and race briefing at Tropica Restaurant (own cost).
• August 19 – Cocos Island Marathon start at 4:00 PM local time. Slower runners/walkers may be allowed to start earlier (to be confirmed).
• August 20 – Free day / optional trip to Direction Island for snorkeling and beach; Asian‑inspired dinner at Surfer Girl Restaurant (own cost).
• August 21 – Morning trip to Home Island; afternoon flight from Cocos Island back to Perth (via Christmas Island).
• Optional add‑on: Barossa Marathon (August 23) after returning to Perth – join the group chat for details.

Rules, Conduct, and Race Directors:

• Conduct: Participants must abide by local island rules and customs. The race director’s decision is final.
• Eligibility: Race entry covers only the marathon. Organizers reserve the right to refuse applications. Limited places available. Do not register if you do not intend to run.
• Medical Responsibility: Runners should have medical clearance before racing. Do not race if unwell.
• Race Directors: Wojtek (COO of Travel2Poland, experienced marathon tour operator) and Bryan (retired Australian, President of International Frontrunners, aiming for 100 marathons in 100 countries).
• Finisher Items: Custom medal and bib (images provided in event listing).
• Accommodation & Travel: Book West Island accommodation early (limited). Join the WhatsApp group chat for sharing options and updates.

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands Marathon 2026 is a remote, self‑sufficient endurance event for runners seeking a unique flag‑marathon experience. With a 10‑hour cutoff, mandatory headlamps, and a stunning Indian Ocean setting, this inaugural race demands preparation, responsibility, and a spirit of adventure.