🚩 COURSE MARKINGS & RUNNER SAFETY
All courses will be clearly marked with directional signage, cones, turnaround markers and Course Marshals at key locations.
All participants must:
- Follow the designated course for their entered distance.
- Follow all directional signage and instructions from Course Marshals.
- Stay within the designated running lane on Bonnyvale Road.
- Complete all required turnaround points and loops.
- Be considerate of other runners, residents, pedestrians and shared path users.
- Give way to emergency vehicles when required.
Important: Bonnyvale Road will only have a half-road closure, with the opposite lane remaining open to vehicle traffic at reduced speed. Runners must remain strictly within the designated closed lane.
🏃 ATHLETE RESPONSIBILITY
Participants are responsible for following the correct course and completing their full entered distance, including all designated loops and turnaround points.
Failure to complete the full course may result in disqualification or an invalid finishing time.
Please review your course map carefully before event day.
Shell Road will be fully closed to general traffic during the event, although controlled resident access may occur.
❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where do all events start and finish? All four distances start and finish at the Ocean Grove Hotel, Bonnyvale Road, Ocean Grove.
Are the courses suitable for beginners? Yes. The courses are generally flat, with some gentle rises, making them suitable for a wide range of fitness levels. The 5km and 10km events are great options for beginners, while the Half Marathon provides a longer challenge with a mixture of road and pathway surfaces.
Is the Half Marathon entirely on roads? No. The Half Marathon includes sealed roads along Bonnyvale Road and Shell Road, followed by shared footpaths and sections of dirt/gravel tracks around The Point Estate.
Do Half Marathon runners need to complete the small loop at the start? Yes. All Half Marathon participants must complete the additional small loop before heading onto the main course. This is an important part of the 21.1km distance. Please refer to the Half Marathon Small Loop map.
Will roads be closed during the event?Yes. Bonnyvale Road will have a partial road closure, while Shell Road will be fully closed to general traffic during the event.Road closure times: 6:30am – 10:30am.The opposite lane on Bonnyvale Road will remain open to normal vehicle traffic at reduced speed.
Will I encounter vehicles during the race? Bonnyvale Road will have one lane open to vehicle traffic, so runners must stay within the designated closed lane. Controlled resident vehicle access may also occur along Shell Road. Please remain alert and follow all course signage and marshal directions.
Are the pathways around The Point Estate closed to the public? No. Some shared paths and walking tracks around The Point Estate will remain accessible to the public.Runners must be considerate of other path users and take care when passing pedestrians.
Are there toilets along the course? Yes. Toilet facilities will be available at the 10km turnaround location on Shell Road, as well as at the main event precinct.
Are there drink stations along the course? Yes. There will be six drink stations on the Half Marathon course and three on the 10km course and one on the 5km course. There are no on-course drink stations for the 1km Kids Dash.
Can I run with a pram or my dog? For safety reasons, dogs, prams, bikes, scooters and rollerblades are not permitted on the course.
Can I wear headphones?We recommend avoiding headphones or keeping the volume low enough to hear Course Marshals, other runners and any safety instructions.
Can I walk the course?The 5km and 10km events are suitable for walkers, provided participants can complete their chosen distance within the event's published course time limits. Half Marathon participants should ensure they can complete the course within the permitted time.
What happens if I take the wrong turn? All courses will have directional signage and Course Marshals at key locations. It is each participant's responsibility to follow the correct course. If you are unsure of the route, seek assistance from a Course Marshal.
What happens if I don't complete the full course? Participants must complete their full entered distance, including all designated loops and turnaround points. Failure to complete the correct course may result in disqualification or an invalid finishing time.
Will the event go ahead if it rains? The Ocean Grove Running Festival is planned to proceed in normal wet-weather conditions. In the event of severe weather or unsafe conditions, organisers will assess the situation and communicate any necessary changes to participants.
🏅 FINAL REMINDERS
- Before race day, please:
- Review your course map carefully.
- Familiarise yourself with your turnaround point.
- Half Marathon runners – remember the compulsory opening loop.
- Allow plenty of time to arrive at the Ocean Grove Hotel.
- Follow all course signage and Course Marshal instructions.
- Respect local residents and other users of shared pathways.
We look forward to welcoming runners of all ages and abilities to the inaugural Ocean Grove Running Festival on Sunday 22 November 2026!
🏃♂️ 1KM KIDS DASH – COURSE DESCRIPTION
Sunday 22 November 2026 | Start & Finish: Ocean Grove Hotel
The Ocean Grove Running Festival 1km Kids Dash is a fun and exciting event for our youngest runners!
Starting and finishing at the Ocean Grove Hotel, the course provides a safe and enjoyable opportunity for kids to get involved in the festival atmosphere and experience the excitement of crossing the finish line.
🗺️ COURSE ROUTE
The 1km Kids Dash starts near the Ocean Grove Hotel, with participants heading along the designated course towards Collendina Caravan Park.
Runners will reach the marked turnaround point before returning along the same route to finish back at the Ocean Grove Hotel.
The course is a straightforward out-and-back route, making it easy for young runners to follow.
🚧 COURSE CONDITIONS
The course follows a sealed pathway away from normal vehicle traffic.
The route is generally flat and suitable for young participants.
Course Marshals and directional signage will help guide runners along the route.
🏅 A FUN EXPERIENCE FOR EVERY CHILD
The Kids Dash is all about participation, having fun and enjoying the experience of being part of a running festival.
Whether it's their first running event or they're already enthusiastic little runners, we look forward to cheering every child across the finish line!
🏃 21.1KM HALF MARATHON – COURSE DESCRIPTION
Sunday 22 November 2026 | Start & Finish: Ocean Grove Hotel
The Ocean Grove Running Festival Half Marathon takes runners on a scenic 21.1km journey through Ocean Grove, along Bonnyvale Road and Shell Road, before exploring the beautiful waterways and pathways of The Point Estate.
The course combines sealed roads, shared footpaths and sections of dirt and gravel tracks, offering a varied and enjoyable running experience.
🗺️ SECTION 1 – START & SMALL LOOP
Refer to Course Map 1 – Half Marathon Small Loop
All Half Marathon participants must complete a small additional loop at the beginning of the race before heading onto the main course. Starting at the Ocean Grove Hotel, runners complete the designated opening loop along Bonnyvale Road and the surrounding course before continuing towards Shell Road. This additional section ensures runners complete the full 21.1km distance.
🗺️ SECTION 2 – MAIN COURSE: BONNYVALE ROAD & SHELL ROAD
After completing the initial loop, runners continue up Bonnyvale Road before turning right into Shell Road.
The course follows Shell Road towards The Point Estate, passing through the surrounding coastal landscape.
Road Conditions:
- Bonnyvale Road: Half-road closure, with the opposite lane remaining open to vehicle traffic at reduced speed.
- Shell Road: Full road closure to general traffic.
- Runners must remain within the designated closed lane on Bonnyvale Road.
🗺️ SECTION 3 – THE POINT ESTATE
Refer to Course Map 3 – The Point Estate
The back section of the Half Marathon takes runners through The Point Estate, following a scenic route around its waterways and residential areas.
This section includes a combination of:
- Sealed shared walking and cycling paths
- Footpaths through residential areas
- Sections of compacted dirt and gravel tracks
- Pathways alongside the waterways and open spaces
- Runners will follow the marked course through The Point, completing the designated turns and loops shown on the course map before returning along Shell Road towards the Ocean Grove Hotel.
Please note: Shared pathways around The Point Estate will remain accessible to other users. Runners should take care and be considerate of pedestrians and local residents.
💧 DRINK STATIONS & TOILETS
There will be 6 drink stations along the Half Marathon course, providing opportunities to hydrate throughout the event.
Toilet facilities will be available at the 10km course turnaround location on Shell Road.
⛰️ COURSE TERRAIN
The Half Marathon is generally flat, with some gentle rises along Bonnyvale Road and Shell Road.
The course includes a combination of sealed roads, shared footpaths and dirt/gravel tracks around The Point Estate.
Runners should be prepared for changing surfaces, particularly through the sections around the waterways.
🏃 5KM RUN – COURSE DESCRIPTION
Sunday 22 November 2026 | Start & Finish: Ocean Grove Hotel
The Ocean Grove Running Festival 5km course is a scenic out-and-back route starting and finishing at the Ocean Grove Hotel.
The course follows Bonnyvale Road, offering a relatively flat and enjoyable run suitable for all abilities, from first-time participants to experienced runners chasing a personal best.
🗺️ COURSE ROUTE
The 5km event starts at the Ocean Grove Hotel, with runners heading onto Bonnyvale Road.
Participants continue along the designated running lane towards Shell Road before reaching the 5km turnaround point.
From here, runners return along the same route, finishing back at the Ocean Grove Hotel.
Unlike the 10km and Half Marathon courses, the 5km event does not continue along Shell Road or enter The Point Estate.
🚧 ROAD CLOSURES
Bonnyvale Road: Half-road closure, with the opposite lane remaining open to normal vehicle traffic at reduced speed.
Runners must remain within the designated closed lane throughout the course.
💧 DRINK STATIONS
Drink station details for the 5km course will be confirmed prior to event day.
⛰️ COURSE TERRAIN
The 5km course is entirely on sealed roads and is generally flat, with some gentle rises along Bonnyvale Road.
The straightforward out-and-bac
🏃 10KM RUN – COURSE DESCRIPTION
Sunday 22 November 2026 | Start & Finish: Ocean Grove Hotel
The Ocean Grove Running Festival 10km course takes runners on a scenic out-and-back journey from the Ocean Grove Hotel, along Bonnyvale Road and Shell Road, with views of the surrounding coastal landscape and Lake Victoria.
The course is predominantly flat, with some gentle rises, making it ideal for runners of all abilities, whether chasing a personal best or taking on their first 10km event.
🗺️ COURSE ROUTE
The 10km event starts at the Ocean Grove Hotel, with runners heading onto Bonnyvale Road and continuing towards Shell Road.
Participants turn right into Shell Road and follow the marked course towards The Point Estate.
At the designated 10km turnaround point on Shell Road, runners turn around and return along the same route, finishing back at the Ocean Grove Hotel.
Unlike the Half Marathon, 10km runners do not complete the additional small loop at the start or enter The Point Estate.
🚧 ROAD CLOSURES
Bonnyvale Road: Half-road closure, with the opposite lane remaining open to vehicle traffic at reduced speed.
Shell Road: Full road closure to general traffic.
Runners must remain within the designated closed lane on Bonnyvale Road.
💧 DRINK STATIONS & TOILETS
There will be 4 drink stations along the 10km course, including the turnaround location.
Toilet facilities will also be available at the 10km turnaround point.
⛰️ COURSE TERRAIN
The course is entirely on sealed roads and is generally flat, with some gentle rises along Bonnyvale Road and Shell Road.