The festival was cancelled last year due to COVID-19 restrictions, but has returned bigger and better than ever.

Formal online entries have closed, but keen runners can still register by emailing: secretaryhatheadtri@gmail.com, messaging the Facebook Page: South West Rocks Running Festival, or visiting the shelter shed below the Gaol at Arakoon, South West Rocks on Saturday, June 12 between 2pm and 4pm.

There will be no late registrations on Sunday.

All entrants must still sign a waiver, and pick up their competitor bib before the start of their race.

Organised by the Hat Head Triathlon Club, the first race will start this Saturday at 3pm with a 2km charity run from the Trial Bay Gaol at South West Rocks.

The main event starts on Sunday, leaving the Gaol; the first race will be the marathon at 6:45am, followed by the 10km run at 7am, the half marathon at 7:15am, and the 5km race 8am.

All distances have the same start and finish routes. The 5km race turnaround is near Wainabar Ave, while the 10km race turnaround is on Horseshoe Bay headland.

The Half Marathon is one lap of the course, and the marathon is two laps of the entire course.

All runners are required to be at the event location 30 minutes before the start of their race.

A presentation ceremony starts at 11am, all participants who finish their race will receive a finisher medal to commemorate their achievement.

Results will be available on the South West Rocks Running Festival website after the presentation ceremony.

Some temporary road closures will be in force from 6am-12pm to facilitate the festival.

Affected roads include New Entrance Rd from the tavern to Quarry St, Quarry St from New Entrance Rd to Tahlee Cl, and Sirius Cl and Tahlee Cl.

As always, all proceeds are being donated to local charities and community groups.

South West Rocks Running Festival is sponsored by Coastline Credit Union, Kempsey Shire Council, South West Rocks Country Club, DGI trading Australia, CDCM Kitchens + Bathrooms, South West Rocks Family Dental Surgery and Booroongen Djugun LTD Community Care Service.

For more information, go to the South West Rocks Running Festival website at: southwestrocksrunfest.com.au.

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