Sport
12 September, 2026
Run exceeds expectations
MORE than 1000 runners than last year to total 2500 runners lined Four Mile Beach last Saturday (5 September) for Run Port Douglas.
Athletes took part in a half marathon, 10km and 5km runs and a 2km run/walk.
Runners travelled from across Australia and around the globe to take part, further establishing Run Port Douglas as much more than a running event, but for many a genuine destination experience.
More than 200 volunteers also played an enormous role in the success of the event, bringing energy, encouragement and plenty of fun to the course, from aid stations and course marshalling to the start and finish areas.
Festival director Bade Stapleton said the growth of the event in only its second year had exceeded expectations.
“To grow from 1500 runners in our first year to 2500 in year two is something we are incredibly proud of, but what excites us most is seeing what Run Port Douglas is becoming,” he said.
“There was an incredible atmosphere across the entire event. We had perfect weather, more than 200 amazing volunteers out on course and thousands of people finishing their race on Four Mile Beach.
“When you see that finish line, you understand why this event is so special. There simply aren’t many places in the world where you can finish a running event like this.
“We had runners travel from across Australia and overseas and the images and videos being shared around the world this week will showcase, not only Run Port Douglas, but Port Douglas and Tropical North Queensland. We believe this event is only just getting started.”
Half marathon winner Tommy Hankin said “the course was beautiful, but also very intense and challenging.”
First woman over the line Elkie Quinlan said “I just tried to enjoy running on the beach, but it was hard getting to the finish line.”
Run Port Douglas will return on Saturday 4 September 2027, with organisers expecting another significant increase in participation.
Accommodation reached capacity around the 2026 event and organisers are encouraging runners considering the 2027 event to enter early and book their accommodation now.
“Our message for 2027 is simple, don’t wait,” Mr Stapleton said.
Main Results
MEN
Half Marathon
439 - Tommy HANKIN - VIC - 1:20:45.7
494 - Ciarán MADDEN - QLD - 1:21:06.7
650 - Glenn HANDLEY - QLD - 1:21:14.6
10Km
1963 - Luke SWINDALE - QLD - 34:18
1945 - Marlon SANDOVAL - QLD - 35:49
1878 - Alex GARDINER - QLD - 37:20
5Km
3091 - Charlie WOOD - TAS - 18:06
3645 - William WATERS - QLD - 18:28
3623 - Harry BIRD - TAS - 19:11
2Km
4153 - Pierce WILLIAMS - QLD - 07:15
4206 - Rhys STORK - QLD - 07:37
4068 - Lakyn SATCHWELL - QLD - 07:51
WOMEN
Half Marathon
950 - Elkie QUINLAN - VIC - 1:26:34.5
838 - Clio OZANNE-JAQUES - QLD - 1:27:21.6
18 - Jess BAYLIS - VIC - 1:32:43.6
10Km
1802 - Kristel VAN DEN BERG - QLD - 37:42
1570 - Izzy DIX - QLD - 39:09
1597 - Katie GAMBLE - VIC - 39:19
5Km Women
3090 - Amy-Joy DUNCAN - VIC - 18:47
3357 - Jessica JAUFMANN - QLD - 19:59
3681 - Chloe BREEN - NSW - 20:35
2Km
4004 - Sienna CANUTO - QLD - 07:02
4138 - Elise WRIGHT - QLD - 08:14
4026 - Zarah PICKFORD - QLD - 08:16
