Great North Walk Trail Running Festival

Race morning finds participants gathering at the picturesque Patonga Park, located just north of Patonga Beach, surrounded by lush greenery and close to the tranquil waters of Lake Macquarie. The atmosphere on race day is one of anticipation as runners prepare for their chosen distance amidst the natural beauty that surrounds them.
The festival has been a staple in the community since its inception five years ago, growing from just 100 participants to over 350 this year alone. This event supports the local trail running club and raises funds for scholarships awarded to Patonga’s youth.
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The race offers a variety of distances, including the 10 Kilometres (10km), the grueling 30 Kilometres (30km), and the epic 50 Kilometres (50km). The course takes runners through diverse landscapes—from the coastal trails to winding paths within Patonga Park. Notable features include a scenic route along Lake Macquarie, providing stunning views throughout.
Participants start their journey at 6:30 am for the 50km, with staggered starts for the 30km and 10km races beginning at 7:30 am and 8:30 am respectively. The course is marked clearly along its entirety, ensuring that runners can navigate safely through varying terrains including forest paths and rocky sections. An aid station will be set up near Lake Macquarie to provide refreshments during the race.
The weather on September 20th in Patonga feels like a mild autumn morning with an average temperature of 17.3 degrees Celsius, ranging between 11.5C at its coldest and 23.1C at its warmest. The humidity sits comfortably around 60.6%, making for comfortable conditions on race day despite the potential for some light wind.
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Registration is open until a week before the event via https://raceroster.com/events/2026/118108/great-north-walk-trail-running-festival with fees starting at A$65.00 for the 10km, escalating to A$110.00 for the 30km and reaching a maximum of A$160.00 for the 50km.
Bibs can be picked up on Saturday from 2 pm at Patonga Beach Surf Lifesaving Club located at 470 Great North Walk, Patonga NSW 2289. Participants should bring photo ID and their payment receipt to verify registration details.
The race starts in front of the same club where participants will gather for pre-race information and warm-up activities before heading out onto the course. Age requirements range from 16 years old upwards; first-timers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Patonga’s trails beforehand to ensure a smooth experience on race day.
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The Great North Walk Trail Running Festival, taking place in Patonga, New South Wales on September 20th, 2026, is an event not just for runners but also for anyone who appreciates the beauty of nature and wants to support local initiatives. With its scenic routes and meaningful purpose, this race offers a unique experience that contributes significantly to the community's well-being.