26 July 2026
Mayor Welcomes New Trail Run Australia Stage Race to Port Stephens
PORT STEPHENS, NSW – New Trail Run Australia Stage Race to put Port Stephens’ spectacular coastline in the national spotlight
Port Stephens is set to welcome runners from across Australia this September with the launch of Australia’s newest coastal trail running stage race, a new tourism event that will showcase some of the region’s most spectacular natural landscapes while bringing visitors to the destination for an unforgettable weekend of adventure.
Delivered by In2Adventure in partnership with Port Stephens Council and supported by Destination NSW, the new Trail Run Australia Port Stephens 2-Day Stage Race will take runners on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Tomaree National Park across two distinct stages, creating one of the country’s most unique trail running experiences.
The event builds on the success of Trail Run Australia Port Stephens, which has become one of Australia’s premier coastal trail running events, introducing an exciting new stage race format that encourages participants to stay longer, explore more of the region and experience everything Port Stephens has to offer.
Over two days, runners will traverse rugged coastal headlands, pristine beaches, flowing singletrack, towering sand dunes and spectacular ocean lookouts. The opening stage explores the newly completed northern section of the Tomaree Coastal Walk before the second stage showcases the iconic Birubi Beach, Samurai Dunes and Tomaree National Park trails that have made the destination a favourite among trail runners.
Participants can choose from four two-day stage race options designed to make bigger goals more achievable. The 57km Ultra is completed over 25km on Saturday and 32km on Sunday, while the Marathon features 21km each day. Shorter options include the 24km stage race (11km + 13km) and the 12km stage race (6km + 6km). Runners who prefer a single day of adventure can also enter either stage individually.
In2Adventure Event Director Robyn Lazenby said the new event was designed to showcase Port Stephens in a completely new way.
“Port Stephens is already recognised as one of Australia’s great outdoor destinations, and the Stage Race allows runners to experience even more of what makes this region so special.”
“Rather than simply running one course, participants spend an entire weekend exploring different parts of Tomaree National Park, staying in the destination, supporting local businesses and creating lasting memories both on and off the trails.”
“Stage racing is one of the fastest-growing formats in trail running internationally, and we’re incredibly excited to introduce this experience to Port Stephens while showcasing landscapes that many visitors have never discovered.“
Council is proud to support an event that highlights the region’s natural assets while attracting visitors outside traditional holiday periods. Mayor of Port Stephens, Leah Anderson told us:
“Port Stephens is one of those places that makes you want to get outside and explore, and this event is a great way for people to experience some of the best our region has to offer.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome runners and their supporters to Port Stephens and invite them to experience the incredible landscapes, outdoor adventures and coastal lifestyle that make our region so special.”
“Events like this encourage people to stay a little longer, discover more of Port Stephens and support our local businesses along the way, which is a win for our whole community.”
Destination Port Stephens CEO, Jo Thomas added:
“Major events are an important to help grow year-round visitation, encourage longer stays and deliver economic benefits to local businesses. The Trail Run Australia Stage Race is a fantastic addition to our events calendar and showcases Port Stephens as a premier destination for outdoor adventure and nature-based tourism.”
The event is proudly supported by Destination NSW through its Regional Event Fund, recognising the important role major events play in driving regional visitation and showcasing New South Wales’ world-class visitor destinations.
With runners expected to travel from across Australia and overseas, the event is anticipated to generate significant overnight visitation while reinforcing Port Stephens’ reputation as one of the country’s leading destinations for outdoor adventure and nature-based tourism.
The Trail Run Australia Port Stephens 2-Day Stage Race will be held on 19-20 September 2026, with entries are open now.
For event information and registrations, visit the Trail Run Australia Port Stephens website.
For Destination information visit Port Stephens website.
