About

About The Event

Welcome to the 2023 McDonald’s Townsville Running Festival. This event started over 50 years ago as the Townsville Marathon and has evolved to a greater and more exciting event each year.


McDonald’s Townsville Running Festival is the must do tropical festival that attracts runners from everywhere … at least when there is no Covid and travel restrictions.

Winter in Townsville is perfect for running, watching the sun rise as you run the palm-lined beachfront of The Strand. Great scenery no doubt, however it’s the people that really make this event special; race day is always abuzz with positive vibes, people chasing personal bests, an atmosphere that definitely motivates others to achieve.


For us this year is all about honouring the event history and those that laid the foundations of the McDonald’s Townsville Running Festival. This festival has grown far beyond the humble beginnings of the Townsville Marathon over 50 years ago to include the addition of the shorter events to create a real festival vibe and help to bring on the next generations of runners. We want to say thank you to each and every Runner, Volunteer, President, Committee member, Event Director & Visionary that has helped to steer and develop this Festival over the years. It was their passion and commitment that has driven amazing improvements for this high status festival we both expect and enjoy.


We hope that all runners will join us in celebrating such a rich history of running in North Queensland.
Thank you!


Joel Savage
Event Director
On Behalf of the MTRF Committee & Event Team

Discover Townsville

Whether you're a local or a visitor, this is the perfect opportunity to explore this gorgeous city.

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