Entries: Frequently asked questions
- 01
Whale Rock Trail Run offers a 6.5km Fun Run, a 17km Challenge Run, and Kids Athletics. Each category provides a unique running experience tailored to different skill levels.
- 02
WRTR is a sell out event so we strongly recommend not waiting to enter to avoid disappointment.
If places remain available you can register on the morning of the event.
- 03
Yes, you can transfer your entry to a different sub-event (distance) or to another person via the registration portal in advance or on the day of the event. An administration fee will be payable.
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The event will be held in all safe weather conditions. Guidance will be received from National Parks in case of fire risk or flood risk and participants will be communicated with immediately in case of any weather impacts to the event.
- 05
The Challenge Run has a minimum age requirement of 16.
The Fun Run has a minimum age requirement of 7. We recommend children aged 7-10 participate with a family member, and our Kids Athletics event may be more suitable for children aged 7-12.
The Kids Athletics event is suitable for children aged 3-4 with a parent/guardian, or 5-12 unaccompanied. One parent/guardian can be responsible for multiple 3-4 year olds.
- 06
Anyone can participate in the 6.5km fun run, and our helpful Training Guides will assist beginners as they prepare for the trails.
The 17km Challenge run is, well, challenging. We'd recommend you've run at least 10km before taking on this challenge, especially if you are new to trail running.
A FREE beginner Training Guide will be emailed for both course distances post registration.
- 07
Walkers and Hikers are very welcome and encouraged to join. Simply position yourself at the back of the start waves and enjoy the event.
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Click on the REGISTER button on our website.
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Entries will open on the 15th October 2025. If you are new to WRTR subscribe to our database to be notified of event entries opening.
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YES! We're glad you asked. We have a fantastic range of memorabilia you can pre-order. Take a look at our online store courtesy of Team Elite - shop now
Event Detail: Frequently asked questions
- 01
If you select bib postage during your entry, bibs will be mailed out two weeks prior to event day. If your bib does not arrive within a week of the event, or if you expected multiple bibs and only 1 arrived please drop us an email.
Please make sure you bring your bib with you on event day.
If you did not select bib postage you can collect your bib on the morning of the run from 7am.
- 02
The draft event schedule will be finalised one week prior to the event date. We recommend you arrive at least 45 minutes prior to your race start to ensure plenty of time available for parking, that nervous toilet stop, to collect your bib if you didn't request postage, and to chat to other participants and enjoy the village atmosphere.
Due to road closures, we recommend anyone coming via car arrives before 7:45 AM to enjoy the Event Village atmosphere. For late arrivals, alternative street parking is available north of the oval. Please follow the directions of event marshals at all times and park respectfully of the local residents.
- 03
There is ample free parking in and around Pennant Hills Park. However PLEASE NOTE - the car parks and access to them will be closed from approximately 7:45am to 8:45am for the race start. If you wish to park in the car parks you must arrive prior to 7:30am and then you can come and enjoy the village atmosphere at the start.
Alternative street parking is available to the North of the oval if you arrive after 7:30am.
The closest train station in Pennant Hills which is less than 1km downhill walk to the start.
- 04
Dogs are not permitted within the Lane Cove National Park and cannot accompany you on the course. Spectators can bring well behaved dogs to the event village but they must remain on a short leash at all times.
- 05
A good pair of trail running shoes are highly recommended. Like most trail running events, WRTR is "cupless". Water will be provided at the aid stations, however you'll need your own receptacle such as a hydration pack, bottle or collapsible cup.
There is no mandatory gear, but you might choose to bring your own nutrition/gels as required.
Aid stations will also have first aid available.
- 06
Yes, we have one aid station in the 6.5km fun run course and four in the 17km challenge run. Aid stations will be stocked with water and lollies to keep your energy high. Our aid stations are "cupless" so bring your own collapsible cup, bottle or hydration pack to refill.
- 07
100% yes. We will have plenty of activities for spectators at the event village, as well as food & drink stalls and entertainment.
If your family want to cheer you on out on course they might like to consider a volunteer position to be part of the action.
- 08
The courses will be clearly marked with arrows, bunting and tape as well as course marshals. Follow their directions and you'll remain on course. If you haven't seen any tape or arrows or other people for a while, back track until you find some signage pointing you in the right direction.
- 09
We have first aid out on course as well as track marshals and sweepers. If you can’t carry on, stay on the course and either walk to the closest marshal or wait to be collected. DO NOT under any circumstance try to take a shortcut back to the start/finish.
- 10
All participants in the fun run and challenge run will receive a unique and very special finishers medal.
All participants in the Kids Athletics event will receive a certificate.
Course winners (male and female) in the fun run and challenge run will be presented with a winners trophy at the presentation.
Age group prizes will be awarded with categories determined in January based on entry spread.
Additional spot prizes will also be awarded, so hang around to enjoy the prize giving.
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Participants can enjoy food and coffee vans, medical & physio support before they race, and can enjoy the finish line event village boasting stalls and activations from local businesses and sports groups as well as live entertainment. We highly recommend you don't plan to dash off after you finish your event. Stay around for the after party with your fellow participants.
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Safety is a top priority at the Whale Rock Trail Run event. We have trained medical staff on-site, clearly marked routes, and communication systems in place to ensure the well-being of all participants.
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The draft event schedule for the Whale Rock Trail Run includes details on race start times, registration check-in, award ceremonies, and any additional activities planned for the day. You'll receive a participant briefing pack in the week prior to the event with a final timetable and all other important information to ensure you have the best day.
Kids Aths: Frequently asked questions
- 01
Our qualified Australian Athletics coaches will take care of your kids for the morning. The two hour program will include games based athletics as well as some mini-competitions. No athletics experience or capability is required. Check our website for a more detailed schedule of activity.
- 02
A labelled water bottle
Comfortable clothes and sneakers suitable for physical activity
A hat and sunscreen
- 03
Yes! Our team from Neighbourhood ELC will provide healthy and nut-free snacks during the morning tea break. If your child has specific dietary requirements or allergies, please pack their own snack and inform us at check-in.
- 04
Children will be supervised by a combination of trained staff from Neighbourhood ELC and qualified Australian Athletics coaches.
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Absolutely. Children aged 3-4 require a parent/guardian to remain with their child and can join in the action at no additional cost. Parents with older children are very welcome to stay and watch.
- 06
Our focus is on having heaps of fun, learning new skills, personal achievement and trying their best. There will be no awards for performance, and measurements are just for fun and won’t be overly formal. Spot prizes will be awarded to children for their engagement and effort.
- 07
In case of light rain, activities will continue as planned, so please pack dry clothes for after. For extreme weather conditions (e.g., heatwaves or storms), activities may be moved to a covered area or modified for safety. We’ll notify you of any changes once an accurate forecast can be obtained.
- 08
Yes! Every child will receive a participation certificate at the end of the session. We’ll also give out fun spot prizes to celebrate effort and enthusiasm.
- 09
Drop-off: Check-in starts at 8:00 AM at the designated Kids Athletics area.
Pick-up: Please sign your child out at 10:00 AM. Afterward, feel free to explore the stalls and activities at the event village
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Click on the REGISTER button on our website.
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Our experienced staff are trained to assist children who may need extra support or reassurance. If needed, we’ll contact you immediately to ensure your child feels comfortable and cared for, however we understand you may be out on course and take a little time to get back to the event centre. Please inform us of any special needs your child may have so we can be best prepared in case they become unhappy.