Sport
22 June, 2026
Run puts town on map
RUN Port Douglas has unveiled a redesigned half marathon course for 2026.
Following the success of the inaugural event last September, organisers have listened closely to participant feedback and refined the course to create an even more spectacular running experience.
One of the key changes removes the two 3km laps through Craiglie, a section identified by runners as an area for improvement.
“We’ve changed the half marathon course, so it now becomes the best half marathon course in the world, according to Andy Buchanon, the Australian Marathon record holder,” said event director Bade Stapleton (above).
“We have listened to the feedback from runners and modified the 21.1km half marathon course, so it now starts in front of the Mirage Country Club and removes the need for any laps on the course,” he said.
“This amazing course will showcase Port Douglas, by going through the palm trees, past the superyacht marina, down the main street, across Four Mile Beach, past the Sheraton and then finishing on Four Mile Beach, so it’s a spectacular course.
“We can’t wait to welcome people from all over Australia and across the globe.”
The revised route has already attracted praise from some of Australia’s greatest distance runners. Run Port Douglas ambassador Andy Buchanan, Olympian and the holder of the fastest marathon ever run by an Australian man, said the updated course elevated the event onto the global stage.
Fellow Olympian, Commonwealth Games champion and Australian women’s marathon record holder Jessica Stenson has also joined the Run Port Douglas ambassador team and echoed Buchanan’s excitement.
“My family and I love Port Douglas and have come up for a holiday before we welcome our third child into the family,” she said.
“Having driven the course, it stands out as one of the most beautiful I have ever seen. I’ve done a lot of half marathons around the world and this one has everything.”
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the event continued to deliver significant value to the region.
“Run Port Douglas has already proven to be a major drawcard for our Shire, delivering strong economic benefits while promoting health, wellbeing and our incredible natural environment,” she said.
“Run Port Douglas will be a fantastic weekend, so come and run on Four Mile Beach, the most beautiful beach in the world.”
Port Douglas local and owner of LiftHER Women’s Gym, Amy Millen, said “running in Tropical North Queensland is unmatched. Run Port Douglas has everything covered, you’ve got Flagstaff Lookout, endless palm trees and the iconic Four Mile Beach, all in one course.”
“The Port Douglas running community is stronger than ever right now and we can’t wait to get involved and show runners from all over why this is the most scenic run in Australia,” she said.
Run Port Douglas will be held on Saturday 5 September 2026 and has a distance for everyone. People can choose from the 21.1km half marathon, 10km, 5km runs and 2km run/walk.
The event is expected to continue growing each year as it cements its place as one of Australia’s must-do running events.
Registrations can be made at www.runportdouglas.com.au
