Wondai Country Running Festival

Wondai Country Running Festival

The Wondai Country Running Festival is an annual competitive event held in the rural township of Wondai, located approximately three hours northwest of Brisbane. Since its founding in 2018, the festival has grown to include a variety of races held over a single weekend in June. The event utilizes the South Burnett Rail Trail and the nearby McEuen Forest to provide different running surfaces and scenery.

The weekend features several distinct categories:

• Full Marathon (42.2 km) on a sealed bitumen rail trail.
• Half Marathon (21.1 km) on a sealed bitumen rail trail.
• 10 km and 5 km rail trail runs.
• 21.1 km and 11.1 km forest trail runs through undulating woodland.
• 1 km Time Trial and 2 km Family Fun Run.
• 1 km All Abilities Race for various participants.

All races commence in the center of Wondai, specifically on the South Burnett Rail Trail behind the Wondai Town Hall. Sunday events take place on a fully sealed bitumen surface, while Saturday afternoon events feature cross-country trails through McEuen Forest, characterized by spotted gum and wattle woodland. The festival provides drink stations and toilet facilities along the courses, and road crossings are managed by personnel to ensure safety. Participants who complete both a Saturday trail run and a Sunday rail trail run are eligible for a gift of local produce. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.