Marathon

Date: Sunday 14 April 2024
Distance: 42.2km
Start Time: 6.30am
Cut Off Time: 12.30pm (6 hours)
Limit: 300 
Start Line: Bunbury Runners Club
(1 Ocean Drive Bunbury)
Finish Line: Bunbury Runners Club
(1 Ocean Drive Bunbury)
Age Limit: 18 years or older on race day

Marathon and Half Marathon Route

Race Details

  • The Course

    Get ready to kick off an exhilarating race from the sun-kissed beach, dashing towards the serene Big Swamp Nature Reserve. Whether you've signed up for the Marathon, Half Marathon, or 10Km, prepare to be captivated by a loop around this vibrant waterway, teeming with lively birdlife.

    After this nature-filled escapade, brace yourself for a thrilling return along the beach, culminating in a challenging ascent to the Lighthouse via a zig-zag path before heading out along the iconic Jetty Road to the historic wharf crane.

    Cross the iconic Whalebone Bridge to reach Koombana Bay and the Dolphin Discovery Centre, where playful dolphins might make an appearance! After this stretch, you will follow the Leschenault Inlet past the iconic Mangrove Reserve and onto the scenic "boardwalk".

    This leads to the eastern end of the inlet, where you'll return past the Parade Hotel and through the award-winning Koolambidi Woola Skate Park. Get ready for a thrilling downhill sprint after you reach the lighthouse, to the finish line. For our Marathon heroes, gear up for a second lap of this breathtaking route, aiming to cross the finish line with a triumphant smile. You have just completed a certified marathon course which will allow you to qualify for all those world marathons.

  • Hydration + Nutrition

    Quench your thirst and keep your energy levels soaring during the race with our strategically placed drink stations! Every 5km along the route, you'll find a station stocked with Tailwind and water to fuel your run. For easy navigation, each of these hydration hubs is carefully marked on our course map.

    We understand the importance of personalized nutrition in enhancing your marathon performance. That's why we offer a special Nutrition Drop-off service for all marathoners. You can provide your own nutrition supplements, clearly labeled with your name, which will be conveniently available for you at Stations 1, 2, 3 and 4.

    Remember, to ensure your personal nutrition is in place when you need it, please drop it off at the Starting Hub no later than 6am on Race Day. This way, we can help you maintain your pace and stamina throughout the marathon with your preferred nutrition choices. Let's make your race experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible!

  • Cut off

    Participants in the full marathon must reach a specific checkpoint, which is the Rocky Point car park on Ocean Drive, located right next to the start/finish oval. This checkpoint should be reached before 11:00 am. After this time, a cut-off will be enforced. Any participants who have not reached this checkpoint by 11:00 am will be obliged to withdraw from the race and will be marked as "Did Not Finish" (DNF).

    We’re sorry! But we know you’ve got this!

  • Bag Drop

    Looking for a safe and convenient place to store your belongings during the race? We've got you covered! We understand that when you're focusing on the finish line, the last thing you want to worry about is the safety of your personal items.

    That's why we have arranged for a specially designated Bag Drop tent for all our runners. This facility is conveniently located within the Runners Village, which serves as the hub of activity before, during, and after the race. You'll find the Bag Drop tent situated to the left of the Starting line - you can't miss it!

    Please note, that while we take every precaution to ensure the security of your belongings, we recommend not leaving any valuable items in your bag.

  • Accessibility

    The Bunbury Marathon prides itself on being an inclusive and accessible event, welcoming and encouraging participants of all abilities. We firmly believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the thrill of a marathon.

    Our course is designed to be accommodating, ensuring racers and spectators of all abilities can participate comfortably. If you have any questions or need assistance related to accessibility, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to help and make your marathon experience as enjoyable and rewarding as possible.

  • Prizes

    1st Male and Female Marathon and Half Marathon $750

    2nd Male and Female Marathon $300

    3rd Male and Female Marathon $200

    All Finishers Receive a Commemorative Medal and Entry into the draw for Significant Spot Prizes.

    Age Group Winners based on the categories entered in the Marathon and Half Marathon are recognized with Commemorative Trophies

    Please be present to receive awards and spot prizes.

Race Info

Athletes village

Our event hub at Bunbury Runners Club is the starting and finishing point for the event. Bring your loved ones to support you and create lasting memories. Enjoy the sports vendors, food options, and kids’ activities.

Stay and celebrate your accomplishment in the festival atmosphere. It's more than just running; it's a celebration of community and an active lifestyle.

On course amenities

Around the course, you'll find a range of facilities to enhance your experience and ensure your comfort throughout the day. This includes toilets, conveniently located all around the city for your comfort.

There are many playgrounds, that are safe, fun-filled areas where kids can play and enjoy themselves, giving parents a chance to relax and soak in the atmosphere of the race.

And of course, there are numerous spectator spots scattered across the course. These spots provide fantastic views of the action, allowing you to cheer on your favourite racers up close.

Getting to the race

Parking: Road closures will start at 6am. If you arrive before the closures and are willing to stay until the event concludes and the road closures are lifted, there is ample parking along Ocean Drive.

Additionally, marked parking bays are available in the surrounding streets for free. However, we kindly request that you refrain from parking in the nearby Officeworks or Bunbury Runners Club car park on race day.

Sign up

Sign up

Mode healthcare
Marathon

ENTRY FEES & INCLUSIONS

  • Entry

  • Race Bib + Safety Pins

  • Finishers Medal

  • Weekend discounts at Froth

$80 Early Bird (1/12/23 - 31/1/24)
$90 Late Entry (1/2/24- 13/4/24)

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • We recommend runners refrain from using listening devices which prevents them from hearing instructions and warnings during the event.

    We have experienced some near-miss incidents in previous years.

    It has also been very challenging for our wheelchair athletes and lead cyclists to be heard when passing.

    Participant choose to wear headphones at their own risk.

    We have one of the most runner-friendly and scenic courses on the calendar, please use all your senses and enjoy it.

  • Yes, bring the whole family to the hub to cheer you across the line. There will be plenty of food options and toilet facilities.

    There are also 7 playgrounds located around the course so they can see you run past up to 4 times and give you that supportive cheer!

  • There will be 4 water stations located every 5km. One located at the hub, one at the Big swamp, one at the Vat 2 restaurant and one at the Mangroves Park.

  • Yes, due to road closures and to cause the least disruption to the public, cut off is 12.30pm. Road will then be opened and you will require to exit the race as instructed by the officials.

  • There is FREE SUNDAY parking throughout the City of Bunbury in all streets and City Car Parks, please locate these before arriving and use the walk as a warm-up to the event.

    Road closures will start at 6am. There is parking along Ocean Drive if you arrive before the road closure and are willing to stay until the event is over and the road closures are removed at 12.30pm.

    Please do not park in the nearby Officeworks carpark. There is no parking in the Bunbury Runners Club car park on race day.

  • Froth Brewery, The Bunbury Runners Club will be hosting a post 3 Waters Running Festival Event Sundowner at the Froth Brewery on 12 Victoria St, Bunbury WA 6230, From 3.00pm – 6.00pm on Event Day.

    Froth Brewery have offered 10% discount OFF ALL MEALS to anyone involved in the Event or the run over the duration of the whole weekend, commencing Friday, and concluding Sunday night. Runners, Friends and Family would simply need to say that they are part of the event to receive the discount.