Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the Mudgee Running Festival.
If you have a question not covered here or on our main website, please feel free to drop us a line on Facebook, or by email to enquiries@mudgeerunningfestival.com.au and we’ll be happy to help.
Where do a get my race number?
Race kit pickup is at our Race Headquarters, in the middle of Lawson Park, Mudgee. We encourage everyone to pick up their race kits on Saturday afternoon between 2pm and 5pm, please bring your confirmation and smart phone.
You can also collect your bib on Sunday morning (Bib collection closes 30mins before each the start of each race).
All you need is your phone.
To check-in:
- Scan the check-in QR code displayed in Lawson Park
- Enter your phone number
- Receive a code via text
- Enter the code on the webpage on your phone
- Your entry details will be retrieved
- Take your phone to the Registration Desk
- Pick up your race number and any merchandise
If you don’t have a phone with you, please bring some ID to the Registration Desk to complete your rego.
When you registered, an email from mycrowd@crowdcatcher.co was sent to you titled “Mudgee Running Festival 2024”.
We will have a bag drop at Race HQ. Please label your bag clearly and hand it to a race volunteer. Please do not leave valuables in your bag, as we can’t guarantee their safety.
How can I register for a race?
Online registrations will open in April and be available until 4pm Saturday 17th Aug. If you need help registering online please contact us and we will assist.
What should I be aware of when running?
Keep left when running, unless otherwise directed by an official or marshal. The marathon and half marathon courses have some sections on open roads, where you must run as far left as practical. Most sections of the course have runners going in both directions. Large parts of the 10km and 5km events are on two-directional bike paths. Do not run in the middle of the path, unless overtaking. Always be aware of your surroundings. Any competitors found to be acting unsafe may be subjected to a penalty, including disqualification.
Pacing of runners is not permitted. Runners face disqualification if supporters are found to be providing outside assistance, such as pacing, extra food or drinks outside of an aid station. The use of iPods or similar devices by runners during the race is not permitted.
The previous year has seen lots of development take place in Glen Willow, Mudgee’s sporting precinct. We have taken this opportunity to modify our courses to use this wonderful facility and improve the safety and scenery of our races.
Marathon: The marathon starts at our regular spot, adjacent to Lawson Park on Ulan Rd, but quickly diverges from previous years’ courses by turning left at the roundabout into Glen Willow. From here you follow new roads (and a new bridge) out to Putta Butta Rd, and then onto Tinja Ln. The course is an out-and-back run from here, turning around at the top of Lowes Peak at approximately 21km.
The return through Glen Willow follows a slightly different course and returns competitors to Lawson Park via bike paths for the last 5km. The race finishes in Lawson Park at our usual finish line beside the river.
Half Marathon: This race starts at the same time as the full marathon, and follows the same course as the marathon for the first 10km, via Glen Willow, Tinja Ln and Eurunderee Ln.
The turnaround is now about 800m down Eurunderee Rd, and competitors follow the same route back to Glen Willow. The course then takes a slightly different track than the beginning of the race, keeping runners away from traffic. The race finishes at our usual location in Lawson Park beside the river.
Note: The last 5km of the race will also have competitors from the 10km race on it, running in both directions. This section will be closed to traffic, and runners are to keep left.
10km: This run is now (mostly) an out-and-back race. It starts in Lawson Park at the same location as previous years and heads out through Glen Willow via bike paths. You now get to enjoy rural views, as you run up Putta Bucca Rd (closed to traffic) before turning around on Tinja Ln. Keep left as you return to via the same route, before heading to the finish line in Lawson Park.
Note: You will pass and overtake half marathon runners during the race, so competitors will need to keep left.
5km: This race follows the same route as previous years, starting in Lawson Park before heading out to Glen Willow via bike paths, and returning the same way.
Can I register for a race on the day?
You can’t register on Sunday but you can register up until 4pm on Sat, 17th August
What temperatures can I expect on race day and what should I wear?
The weather is generally cold at the start of the race with early frosts or fogs at this time of the winter season. However, by the mid-morning, the temperature can be quite warm. The average morning temperature is around 1 degree Celsius with a maximum of 16 but can reach the mid 20’s which means a warm finish. Rain or light showers may also be encountered. Competitors need to ensure that they are prepared for the conditions of the day and should consider wearing gloves, beanies, spray jackets and leg or arm warmers if cold, wet conditions are forecast. Discarded items can be left at the first Aid Station on Tinja Lane. Items will be returned to Lawson Park by 10:15.
Is there a minimum age for runners in the Half and Full Marathons?
Competitors in the half and full marathons must be at least 18 years old to enter.
What are the cut off times for the half and full marathons?
Marathon: The total cut-off time for the marathon is 5 hours, 30 minutes (12:30 pm) with a cut-off time of 4 hours at the drink station on the corner of Eurunderee Road and Craigmoor Road, which is at approximately the 33 km mark. Competitors will not be allowed to complete the course if they have not reached this drink station by 11 am (4 hours after race start).
Half Marathon: The cut-off time for the half marathon is 4 hours.
Any competitor withdrawing during the event must notify the Race Director at Lawson Park or present at the nearest aid station and notify the personnel.
Can you cater to my special needs?
Special Needs are available for those doing the half and full marathons. All special needs need to be clearly marked with your bib name, bib number and aid station. Please put your special needs in the correct basket on race morning, or during race kit collection.
Marathon: There are two separate special needs aid stations, that you pass a total of 6 times. The first one is on Eurunderee Lane, between Craigmoor Rd and Henry Lawson Dr. Marathon runners will pass this twice, once at 9km and again on the way back after 32km.
The second one is at the corner of Black Springs Rd and Schools Ln, and passed four times (18km, 19km, 22km and 23km).
Half Marathon: There is one special needs aid station that you pass twice, at the 9km and 12km marks (same as the Marathon 9km and 32km point).
Can I transfer my registration to someone else?
No. If you can no longer compete we can cancel your registration. Refunds will be issued as per our cancellation policy.
Can I wear headphones/earphones or similar?
To ensure the safety of ALL participants, headphones and earbuds are NOT permitted during the race. You need to be able to hear instructions of the Race Director and marshals, as well as other runners around you. Some of the running is on open (but very quiet) roads, and there may be emergency vehicles on course. . Bone conducting headphones that don’t block your hearing in any way are permitted.
Can I push a pram in the race?
Certainly – we love to see families joining us! We just ask that you start at the back of the racing pack to allow faster racers to run unimpeded and that you take care to avoid other runners on the course.
Can my child ride their bike around the course?
Unfortunately, due to safety concerns, bikes will not be allowed on the course during the races.
Where can I get up to the minute information about the Mudgee Running Festival?
The best place to get all the latest information is on our Facebook page – or Instagram page. Follow-us if you haven’t already. If something isn’t covered anywhere else, email us at enquiries@mudgeerunningfestival.com.au. A full race briefing will be sent out at least two days before the event.
Do I receive anything for finishing?
All finishers will receive a finisher’s medal to celebrate their achievement. You will also be able to download and print a certificate with your race time soon after the race, to prove how awesome you are to family and friends.
The top 3 place getters and the first person in each age category will also receive a prize at our presentations.
Presentations will be held at the following times:
- Half Marathon and 10km – 10:15 am
- Marathon and 5km – 12:15 pm
Your race bib holds a disposable timing chip. Please ensure the following to receive an accurate time.
- Race bib is clearly visible on the front of the torso
- Race bib is unaltered and unmodified (Do not fold or wrinkle)
- Race bib is pinned in all four corners
- Race bib is not covered (jackets, runner belts, water bottles, etc.).
Yes, all competitors and supporters can purchase shirts when registering ($40 each). The cut-off date for ordering the shirts is 30 June.
Do you have size guide for the shirts?
Yes, you can view it at the bottom of this page.
When should I arrive for my race?
The compulsory race briefing for each race will occur at:
6:45am for the Marathon and Half-marathon races
7.45am for the 10km Race
10:45am for the Fun Run.
Competitors should arrive with plenty of time to attend these briefings. While we recommend you collect your race kit on the Saturday afternoon, if you find you need to collect it on race morning, ensure you leave plenty of time to make your race briefing.
Race Briefings will be held at Race HQ in Lawson Park. The briefings are compulsory and will cover all changes to the general conduct of the race, safety concerns, and conditions on the day.
The marathon and half marathon will start on Ulan Rd, next to Lawson Park, just before Hollyoak Bridge.
The 10km and 5km events will start in Lawson Park between the river and the children’s play area. Competitors will be asked to self-seed according to expected finishing times.
Is there a minimum age for the fun runs?
Competitors must be at least 10 years old on race day to compete in our 10km event. There is no minimum age for our 5km Fun Run / Walk (prams are welcome!). You don’t have to pay for children in prams unless of course, they would like their own bib and medal.
Where are the drink stations located?
Marathon: There will be 15 drink stations along the course, all providing water, lollies, vaseline & toilet paper. Electrolyte (Endura) and Special Needs will be available on the marathon course at the third and twelfth station (Eurunderee Ln near Craigmoor Rd), and the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th Aid Station (Corner of Black Springs Ln and Schools Ln). There will be more electrolytes available at the 14th aid station on Tinja Ln near Putta Bucca Rd.
Half Marathon: There will be seven drink stations along the course, all providing water, lollies, vaseline & toilet paper. There will also be electrolyte (Endura) and Special Needs pickup at the 11km and 13km mark (cnr Eurunderee Rd & Craigmor Rd).
10km: There is one Aid Station near the suspension bridge that you pass twice (at 2km and 8km), and a further Aid Station near the turnaround point, approximately halfway. Water, wipes, Vaseline and lollies will be available at these aid stations. Water and Endura will also be available at the finish line.
5km: There is one Aid Station near the suspension bridge, that you pass twice. Water, wipes, Vaseline and lollies will be available. Water and Endura will also be available at the finish line.
What are the elevation profiles for the course?
Marathon: MOOLARBEN Marathon – Mudgee Running Festival
Half Marathon: LOWE/PVG Half Marathon – Mudgee Running Festival
Are there any toilets on the course?
Yes, there will be three toilets on course.
- First toilet: Just before 5km (for 10km, half, and full marathon runners)
- Second toilet: 9km (for half and full marathon runners)
- Third toilet: 15km (for marathon runners only)
All courses are out and back so you will pass them twice.
Here’s where you can find them:
- 10km: Halfway point
- Half Marathon: 5km, 9km, 12km, 16km
- Marathon: 5km, 9km, 15km, 26km, 32km, 37km
There are also toilet facilities in Lawson Park. Toilets and showers are also available in the swimming pool complex – less than 200 meters from Race HQ. Toilet paper will be provided at the drink stations if required.
Can I get a refund if I can’t make the race?
Please email all requests to enquiries@mudgeerunningfestival.com.au. Cancellations received before 1 Aug will receive a refund on your entry fee (minus a $10 processing fee). There will be no refunds after 1 Aug.
We are unable to refund the booking fees made by our payment merchant.
Can I transfer my entry to a different length race?
Yes! Please email all requests to enquiries@mudgeerunningfestival.com.au. You will have to pay an additional fee if you choose a longer event, however no cost will be incurred for choosing a shorter event.
If you initially entered the half or full marathon prior to 30th June, you will still receive an event t-shirt.
Can I run with my pet around the course?
Unfortunately, due to safety concerns, animals will not be allowed on the course during the races.
There is limited off street parking in the Mudgee Olympic Swimming Pool car park off Short St. There is also ample parking in Short Street and the near-by side streets. There are no parking time restrictions in these streets. Please do not park on the islands between the roads – we want you to leave our event with a big smile on your face – not a parking ticket.
What facilities are available at Race HQ?
Lawson Park has three public toilet amenities near the pool entrance.
Visitors are encourage to use the nicer, modern toilets, change rooms, and shower amenities INSIDE the swimming pool.
Food and drink vans are also available at Race HQ.
Lawson Park provides a lovely atmosphere alongside the Cudgegong River. There is also a playground, walking tracks and exercise equipment throughout the park area. Please take care to watch small children as there are no barriers or fencing along the river’s edge.