Event Details

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Race Date: Sunday, 2 May 2027

Race Location: All race distances will start and finish at Mornington Park.

Race Distances & Start Times

21.1km Half Marathon Start: 7:10am Registration closes: 6:45am
10km Fun Run Start: 7:35am Registration closes: 7:15am
5km Fun Run Start: 7:50amRegistration closes: 7:30am
1km Kids' Run – Under 10s Only Start: Approximately 10:45am Registration closes: 10:00am
Presentations - Approximately 11:00am
Race day registration opens at 5:45am.

Important Information – 1km Kids' Run

• Please note that the 1km Kids' Run is not timed, and placegetter medals are not awarded.
• Parents and guardians are welcome to run alongside younger children if they need some extra support. You do not need to purchase an additional entry to run with your child.

Finisher Medals

🏅 Every finisher receives a medal! Plus, enjoy a FREE DONUT + more finisher goodies!

Start & Finish Line

All races will start and finish at Mornington Park, Schnapper Point, Mornington.
A warm-up and race briefing will commence approximately 10 minutes before each race start time near the start line.
Please make sure you arrive early and are ready to go before your scheduled start.

Minimum Age to Participate

21.1km Half Marathon - Minimum age: 15 years on race day
10km Fun Run/Walk - Minimum age: 8 years on race day
5km Fun Run/Walk - No minimum age
1km Kids' Run - Maximum age: 10 years

Parents and guardians are encouraged to run alongside younger children in the 1km Kids' Run if apporaite 

Online, Late & Race Day Entries

• Online entries close at 7:00pm on Friday, 30 April 2027.
• Late entries and bib collection available from 12:00pm–5:00pm at Mornington Park.on Saturday, 1 May 2027
• Race day entries are available from 6:00am and close 20 minutes before the start of each race on Sunday, 2 May 2027 
• We strongly recommend registering early to avoid delays on race morning.

Course

The Mornington Running Festival is held on the picturesque Mornington Peninsula, with runners travelling along The Esplanade from Mornington towards Mount Martha.

For the event, sections of The Esplanade will be managed with road closures and traffic controls to provide a safe course for participants.

New for 2027 – Half Marathon - For the first time, Half Marathon runners will be able to use both sides of the road for the entire 21.1km course.This will provide significantly more room for participants, reduce congestion and create a better running experience throughout the Half Marathon.

For the 5km and 10km events, the beachside lane of The Esplanade between Coolangatta Road and Stanley Crescent will be closed to traffic.

Traffic will continue to operate on the opposite side of the road at a reduced speed of 40km/h.

For the safety of everyone on course, dogs, bicycles, scooters and rollerblades are not permitted.

Click here to view the course maps.

Course Cut-Off Times

5km & 10km:There is no cut-off time unless you take longer than 3 hours to complete the event.

21.1km Half Marathon:The official course cut-off is 3 hours, as roads need to reopen following the event.
If you are within approximately 3km of the finish line when the 3-hour cut-off is reached, we will endeavour to allow you to complete the event. You may, however, be directed onto the pedestrian path for the remainder of the course as roads begin to reopen.

Race Bib Collection, Bib Postage & Merchandise

Each competitor will receive a race bib with a built-in timing chip to record their official race time.

Bib Collection📍 Mornington Park
Saturday, 1 May 2027 12:00pm–5:00pm
Sunday, 2 May 2027 Race morning bib collection will be available before your race.
Please allow plenty of time before your scheduled race start.

You may collect bibs on behalf of friends or family members. Please make sure you know the participant's: Full name + Age category +Race distance

⚠️ We strongly recommend collecting your bib on Saturday to avoid delays on race morning.

If you have already received your bib in the mail or collected it on Saturday, you do not need to visit registration again on Sunday. Simply head to the start area.

Bib Postage

• The option to have your race bib posted closes on 13 April 2027.
• All race bibs will be mailed on 14 April 2027.
• Please allow approximately 5–7 business days for delivery via Australia Post.

Didn't Receive Your Bib?

Don't worry. Visit the Registration Tent on race weekend and we can organise a replacement bib.

If you paid for postage but your bib did not arrive, email us on the Monday following the event to request a refund of your postage fee:info@eventpeople.com.au

Check or Add Bib Postage

Unsure whether you paid for postage or want to add bib postage before the deadline?
Visit:https://myevents.active.com/EventPeople

Bib FAQs

• Already have your bib? Go straight to the start area. You do not need to visit registration again.
• Changed distance before bibs were sent? Your original bib will not be sent. You will need to collect your new bib from the Registration Tent.
• Changed distance after your bib was sent? Bring your existing bib to the Registration Tent on race weekend and exchange it for the correct bib.

Merchandise Collection

Any merchandise purchased during registration will not be mailed. All pre-purchased merchandise must be collected from the Registration Tent on race weekend.

Wave Starts & Gun Time / Chip Time

• To reduce congestion and provide a smoother and safer start, the Half Marathon, 10km and 5km events will use self-seeded wave starts.
• Please select the wave that best matches your realistic expected finishing time or pace.
• Faster runners should position themselves in the earlier waves, while slower runners, run/walk participants and walkers should start in the later waves.
• There is no advantage in starting in an earlier wave because your personal race time is recorded by your timing chip.

How Your Timing Works

• Your personal timing chip is located on the back of your race bib.
• Your chip time starts when you cross the start line and finishes when you cross the finish line.
• This means there is no need to rush when the starting gun goes.
• If it takes you a minute or two to reach the start line, that time is not included in your personal chip time.

Half Marathon Waves – Updated for 2027

Based on previous Mornington Running Festival results and the size of the Half Marathon field, the wave structure has been updated for 2027.

Wave 1 – Under 1:45 For runners expecting to complete the Half Marathon in less than 1 hour 45 minutes.
Wave 2 – 1:45 to 2:10 For runners expecting to finish between 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 hours 10 minutes.
Wave 3 – Over 2:10 For runners expecting to take more than 2 hours 10 minutes, including run/walk participants.
*Please be realistic when selecting your wave. Correct self-seeding helps everyone enjoy a smoother and safer start.

10km Waves – Updated for 2027

The 10km wave structure has also been adjusted based on previous Mornington race results.
Wave 1 – Under 50 Minutes - For runners expecting to complete the 10km in less than 50 minutes.
Wave 2 – 50 Minutes to 1:10 - For runners expecting to finish between 50 minutes and 1 hour 10 minutes.
Wave 3 – Over 1:10 - For runners expecting to take more than 1 hour 10 minutes, including run/walk participants and walkers.

5km Waves

Wave 1 - Expected pace faster than 5:00 min/km
Wave 2 - Expected pace approximately 5:00–6:30 min/km
Wave 3 -Expected pace slower than 6:30 min/km, including run/walk participants and walkers.

1km Kids' Run Waves

Wave 1: Children aged 6–10 years
Wave 2: Children aged 5 years and under

The Kids' Run is not timed, so the waves are designed simply to make the start safer and more enjoyable for the children.

Withdrawals & Changes to Your Entry

Refund Policy

During registration, participants have the option to purchase registration insurance through ACTIVE.com.
If you purchased registration insurance and your circumstances have changed, we recommend lodging a claim directly through ACTIVE.com, as this may provide a 100% refund for eligible circumstances.

For participants seeking a refund directly through the event, the following refund policy applies:

More than 8 weeks before the event: 75% of the entry fee is refundable
Between 4 and 8 weeks before the event: 50% of the entry fee is refundable
Between 1 and 4 weeks before the event: 25% of the entry fee is refundable
7 days or less before the event: No refund is available

*Refund timeframes are calculated from the date of the event.

No refunds will be available after the final refund period under any circumstances.

If an event is postponed and your entry is moved to the new date, the refund window applicable to your entry will remain as it was at the time the event date change was announced.

Transfer to Another Event

Event transfers can be requested up until 3 days before the event.

Eligible transfers include:
2028 Mornington Running Festival

2027 Ocean Grove Running Festival
2027 Peninsula Running Festival
2027 Barwon Heads event
2027 Frankston Running Festival

• A $10 administration fee applies to event transfers.
  
• If transferring to an event with a higher entry fee, you will need to pay the difference.
• If transferring to an event with a lower entry fee, no refund or credit will be provided for the difference.
• Transfers are subject to availability and cannot be made into an event that has already reached capacity.
  
• An entry can only be transferred once.
  
• Once the original event date has passed, a transferred entry cannot subsequently be refunded.

Change of Distance

• If you wish to change to a shorter distance at the same festival, no refund or credit will be provided for the difference in entry price.
• If you wish to upgrade to a longer distance, you will need to pay any applicable difference in entry price.
• If your bib has already been sent and you change your race distance, you will need to visit the Registration Tent on race weekend and exchange your bib for the correct one.

Athlete-to-Athlete Transfers

• There are no transfers between participants.
• Your race entry cannot be transferred, sold or given to another athlete.

How to Update Your Details or Change Distance/Event

To update your participant details, change your race distance or transfer to another eligible event, visit:

https://myevents.active.com/EventPeople

Log in to view the events you are registered for through the ACTIVE.com platform and make the available changes to your registration.

How to Request a Refund

To request an eligible refund, complete the online refund form:

https://form.jotform.com/250970856204863

Refund requests are generally processed within 1–3 days.

For additional refund assistance, please contact: info@eventpeople.com.au

Important Bib Reminder

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• If your bib has already been mailed and you subsequently change race distances, you must visit the Registration Tent on race weekend to collect a new bib.
• Your original bib cannot be used for your new race distance please visit registration tent to exchange on race weekend.

Awards, Prize Money & Spot Prizes

1st, 2nd and 3rd place male and female finishers in each age category will receive a trophy/medal.

Age-group results will be based on NET/Chip Times.

5km U15, U18, 18–34, 35–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70+
10km U15, U18, 18–34, 35–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70+
Half Marathon - U18, 18–34, 35–49, 50–59, 60–69, 70+
1km Kids' Run - There are no placegetter awards for the Kids' Run. Every child will receive a finisher medal

Prize Money

Half Marathon = 1st Male: $500 + 1st Female: $500 + New Course Record: $500
10km Fun Run = 1st Male: $250 + 1st Female: $250 + New Course Record: $200
5km Fun Run = 1st Male: $150 + 1st Female: $150 + New Course Record: $150

Important Notice – Prize Money Eligibility

🔹 Prize money results will be determined based on Gun Times.

🔹 Athletes must attend the presentation ceremony for their event on race day to be eligible for prize money. No exceptions.

💰 Prize money will be processed and paid approximately 7 days after the event, provided all eligibility requirements have been met. Please email us post event with your name and bank details 

Bike Parking

Bike parking will be available at the event site. It's a great way to warm up!

Please bring your own bike lock.

Parking

There are approximately 3,000 parking spaces in and around Main Street, Mornington.

Please allow plenty of time to park and make your way to Mornington Park on race morning.

Toilets
On-Course Toilets

🚻 Toilets will be available at: 5km drink station + 7.5km / 12km drink station

Plus public toilets behind Mt Martha shops, South Beach and Beach car park near Coolangatta rd

Start Line Toilets

• There will be plenty of portable toilets available, including more than last year.
• With around 3,500 runners expected, queues are still likely, so please plan ahead and avoid leaving it until the last minute.
• Nearby Public Toilets
• Mother's Beach
• Car park behind Main Street

🙅 Important: Please do not use local café toilets unless you are a customer. We have experienced issues in previous years, so please be respectful of our local businesses.

Clothing Bag Area

A clothing bag drop area will be located within the event site for storage of your clothing during the run/walk.

Please do not place valuables in your clothing bag, as we cannot accept responsibility for items that are lost or stolen.

Drinks on Course

Water and 32GI Sports Drink will be available approximately every 2.5km along the course and at the finish line.

Refreshments will also be provided at the finish line for all competitors.

Course Contingency

Event People reserves the right to alter the course, start time and/or race format without notice due to circumstances outside the control of the organiser or under the direction of councils, police, sponsors or other organisations associated with the event.

Timing & Results

Each competitor will receive a race bib containing a disposable timing chip, which will record their race time on the day.

Please ensure you cross the finish-line timing mats to record your official race time.

Results will be posted online following the event. CLICK HERE for all past results and course recrds

Marshalls 

No event can be run without Marshalls!
It's a fantastic feeling giving back and helping others enjoy their event. We guarantee a fun day out, so come and share the love and join us!

CLICK HERE for more details as we pay all our marshalls for your time

Run Rules & Participant Expectations

• All competitors must wear their race bib number, which must be clearly visible at all times.
• Participants must only discard bottles, cups or other rubbish at designated aid stations.
• Non-participant runners or cyclists are not permitted on the course. This includes supporters, coaches and athletes who have withdrawn or been disqualified.
• No dogs, bikes, prams, scooters or rollerblades are allowed on course for safety reasons.
• Participants who have not completed the entire race course may be disqualified.
• All participants are expected to compete fairly and show consideration for other participants around them.
• If you withdraw from the race at any time, you must report to the drop-out clerk at the Information Tent near the finish line and have your details recorded. It is essential that race officials know where participants are on the course at all times.

Mornington Running Festival – 2027 Event Day Running Sheet

Sunday, 2 May 2027

Time Task / Action
5:45am Registrations & Bib Collection Opens
6:15am Race Commentator Commences
6:45am Half Marathon Warm-Up & Race Briefing
7:10am Half Marathon – Wave 1: Under 1:45
7:13am Half Marathon – Wave 2: 1:45–2:10
7:18am Half Marathon – Wave 3: Over 2:10 / Run-Walk
7:25am 10km Race Briefing
7:35am 10km – Wave 1: Under 50 Minutes
7:38am 10km – Wave 2: 50 Minutes–1:10
7:41am 10km – Wave 3: Over 1:10 / Run-Walk / Walkers
7:43am 5km Race Briefing
7:50am 5km Race Start – Mass Start
8:05am approx. First 5km Competitor Expected
8:10am approx. First 10km Competitor Expected
8:25am approx. First Half Marathon Finisher Expected
10:10am approx. Last Main Event Competitor Expected
10:35am 1km Kids' Run Briefing & Warm-Up (Yawa)
10:45am Kids' Run – Wave 1: Ages 6–10
10:50am Kids' Run – Wave 2: Ages 5 & Under
11:00am Presentations Begin

2027 running sheet is subject to final confirmation.

The Mornington Running Festival returns to Mornington Peninsula for the 13th time on the 2 May 2027 weekend.
Set in what is one of Australia's most stunning courses to run, winding along the esplanade from Mornington to
Mt Martha and back. This unique experience to run or walk along this road free from traffic is unmissable.
The weekend features a variety of running & walking events to suit all ages and fitness levels.
All finishers receive a finishers medal and a free donutType your paragraph here.