Run Port Douglas has unveiled a redesigned Half Marathon course for 2026, with Australian Olympian Andy Buchanan describing it as “the best half marathon course in the world.”

Following the success of the inaugural event last September, organisers have listened closely to participant feedback and refined the course to create an even more spectacular running experience.

David Kempton Member for Cook said last year’s turnout was strong and this year is expected to draw more attendees.

“Last year, Lisa Scomazzon and I took on the 2km Run/Walk presented by Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas half‑marathon, and I was amazed by the thousands of enthusiastic runners who made a demanding course look deceptively easy.

“This is the best half‑marathon around, and the updated 21.1 3.6 km course promises to be beautiful, memorable with the tropical setting and just the right amount of challenging. Run Port Douglas is a wonderful community event that attracts thousands of visitors to our stunning region and provides a valuable lift to the local economy.”

One of the key changes removes the two 3km laps through Craiglie, a section identified by runners as an area for improvement.

“We will always strive to improve our event every year,” said Event Director Bade Stapleton.

“We have listened to the feedback from runners and modified the 21.1km Half Marathon course, so it now starts in front of the Mirage Country Club and removes the need for any laps on the course.”

The revised route has already attracted praise from some of Australia’s greatest distance runners.

Run Port Douglas ambassador Andy Buchanan — the holder of the fastest marathon ever run by an Australian male — said the updated course elevates the event onto the global stage.

“This is the best half marathon course in the world,” Buchanan said.

Fellow Olympian, Commonwealth Games champion and Australian women’s marathon record holder Jessica Stenson has also joined the Run Port Douglas ambassador team and echoed Buchanan’s excitement.

“My family and I love Port Douglas and have come up for a holiday before we welcome our third child into the family,” Stenson said.

“I have seen the revised Half Marathon course and can see why Andy now rates it as the best in the world.

“Starting under the giant palm trees in front of the Mirage Country Club, running through the main street of Port Douglas, past the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina, up Flagstaff Hill, back past the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas and finishing with 3.6km on the hard-packed flat sand of Four Mile Beach — wow! What more could you ask for?”

Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the event continues to deliver significant value to the region.

“Run Port Douglas has already proven to be a major drawcard for our Shire, delivering strong economic benefits while promoting health, wellbeing and our incredible natural environment,” Mayor Scomazzon said.

“The organisers are now telling the rest of the world that our half marathon course is the best in the world. We expect this will drive visitation from across Australia and internationally.”

Tourism Tropical North Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mark Olsen said the event is rapidly building a strong reputation as a destination running experience.

Event organiser Connect Sport Australia will now incorporate Buchanan’s “best half marathon course in the world” endorsement into its global marketing campaign.

“Having such a strong endorsement from Andy provides runners with even more reason to visit for Run Port Douglas,” Stapleton said.

Run Port Douglas will be held on Saturday, 5 September 2026, and has a distance for everyone. Choose from the 21.1km Half Marathon, Pacific Toyota 10km, 5km Run and 2km Run/Walk presented by Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Port Douglas. The event is expected to continue growing each year as it cements its place as one of Australia’s must-do running events.

Registrations can be made at www.runportdouglas.com.au