Welcome from the Mayor
Congratulations on entering an event or even two at the 2025 Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon. I extend a warm welcome to the many participants who have returned after competing in 2024 and to many more from all over Queensland, Australia and overseas who have joined us for the first time this year.
In just its second year this event has already become a fixture in the Queensland running calendar attracting some truly great athletes. And I am delighted that the program has been extended over the entire weekend to include fantastic events for all ages and abilities at the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport followed by an afternoon of fun entertainment for the whole family.
This event adds a welcome addition to our region’s vibrant and diverse event and festival calendar. It showcases the diversity of the region and importantly brings with it reputable international brands, partners and lots of visitors.
I extend my sincere appreciation to the many volunteers, community stakeholders and the Events Management Queensland (EMQ) team for delivering an international standard event that showcases the Toowoomba region to the world.
Good luck to all participants! And for those from outside Toowoomba, please stay a while and enjoy the wonders of our historic and scenic city.
Geoff McDonald Mayor
Message from the Minister for Environment and Tourism, the Hon. Andrew Powell MP
Hello and welcome to beautiful Toowoomba, I’d like to start by personally congratulating you on entering the 2025 Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon.
You’ll be taking part in one of Australia’s most scenic, historic and colourful races that hosted almost 2,000 runners in 2024 in a memorable weekend that put smiles on faces, raised critical funds for charity and boosted the local economy. I expect we will go one step further this year, with higher participation numbers an indication of the marathon’s rising popularity.
As I’m sure you’ll agree from your surroundings, this region is an idyllic setting for world-class events such as this weekend’s races. Toowoomba’s spectacular parks, gardens, street art and country hospitality
well and truly sets the stage, and I would encourage all visitors to stay awhile and experience everything the city and Queensland has to offer.
The Queensland Government is proud to support this event and we congratulate the Toowoomba Regional Council and partners, volunteers and stakeholders on their commitment to delivering the 2025 Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon.
Whether you’re running the runway in the relay or the mile, striding it out for a fast and flat Grand Central 5km or taking on the undulations of the city streets in the Visit Toowoomba Region 10km, ASICS Half Marathon or the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon – we hope you have a great race and enjoy this unique Queensland experience.
Andrew Powell MP Minister for Environment and Tourism
Welcome from CEO Ben Mannion
We’re back and we’re excited! Welcome to the 2025 Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon.
Building on the success of our first event in 2024 we are delighted to be able to present a two-day event in 2025 with added entertainment to make the experience a true celebration of running in Toowoomba.
We are incredibly grateful to have the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport as an enthusiastic naming rights partner and who have generously provided the venue for our first day of events followed by entertainment on the lawn from the popular, local Fibonacci Band.
Running on an airport runway is a unique experience and we are looking forward to seeing participants in the Runway Mile and Runway Relay run where no one has run before! And what a thrill to be running with local legend and V8 Supercar driver Will Brown in the Grand Central 5km event. Don’t forget to drop by and say hi to him on the entertainment lawn from 11:30am on Saturday.
It is a truly enjoyable experience to work with the Toowoomba Regional Council team. We appreciate their positive collaboration and dedication to ensure this event is delivered to a world-class standard.
To new partners, Grand Central and Steigen – congratulations and thank you for coming on board. And to ASICS, FIXX Nutrition, the Toowoomba Chronicle, Toowoomba Hospital Foundation, It’s a Bloke Thing and the fantastic Toowoomba Road Runners, our heartfelt thanks for your ongoing support.
Like all major events, the show just doesn’t happen without a team of volunteers. Thanks to those who have returned this year and to the newbies, we appreciate your support. We hope it’s a positive experience for you and the start of an annual tradition.
We have done our best and worked closely with the Toowoomba stakeholder group over the last year to minimise the impacts of this event on the local community. We really appreciate the local communities support and hope you can get out and about to cheer runners to the finish line.
To the 2025 Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon participants from all over Australia and overseas – remember, ‘no matter how slow you go you’re lapping everyone still sitting on the couch’.
Congratulations – you’re all winners and we can’t wait to celebrate with you over race weekend.
Ben Mannion CEO -
Events Management Queensland
Events Management Queensland acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Toowoomba Region and pays respect to the Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the knowledge, rich traditions and bold ambitions of Australia’s First Peoples.
Race Precinct
Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport - Saturday 3 May 2025
The Race Precinct for the Grand Central 5km and Runway Mile is located at the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport. Situated a few minutes outside Toowoomba CBD. The airport will hold both the Grand Central 5km race on the road leading to the terminal, and multiple waves of the runway mile race on the airport tarmac itself.
With the Grand Central 5km start and finish line located in front of the terminal, participants will be cheered on by the
crowd with live entertainment and food happening on the terminal lawn.
Address 1511 Toowoomba Cecil Plains Rd Wellcamp QLD 4350
Race Precinct
Toowoomba Sports Ground - Sunday 4 May 2025
The Race Precinct for the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon is located at the Clive Berghofer Stadium, officially known as the Toowoomba Sports Ground. Situated on the eastern fringes of the Toowoomba CBD and adjacent to Queens Park, the stadium will be central to all the action on race day.
The start line is located on Margaret Street and the finish line on the hallowed stadium turf where all Sunday races will finish in front of family and friends in the grandstand.
Participants will also find toilets, merchandise, food and beverages, bag drop and an information booth in the race precinct.
Address
47 Arthur Street
Toowoomba City QLD 4350
Race Number Collection
You are required to collect your race number prior to your race. For the marathon, half marathon and 10km we recommend collecting the day before to avoid delay in getting to the start line.
For the Grand Central 5km and Runway Mile races collection is open on Saturday at the Airport from 10am. We recommend entrants collect their own race number. However, if you need someone to collect on your behalf, please provide them with a copy of your entry certificate (link on entry confirmation email).
Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport
Address 1511 Toowoomba Cecil Plains Rd Wellcamp QLD 4350
Toowoomba East State School
Address Arthur Street East Toowoomba QLD 4350
Race Schedule
Saturday 3 May 2025
Grand Central 5km 1:00pm 1hr 10mins
Runway Mile Races From 2:30pm 12mins
Sunday 4 May 2025 Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport
Sports Ground
Start Zones
Start zones will be in place at the start line of each race (except the Runway Mile) to ensure a smooth start for all participants. Participants are asked to assemble in the appropriate zone as indicated by the letter printed on their race number. If you wish to run with friends or family who are starting in a
different start zone, you may start in a slower zone than that printed on your race number. Please be aware that anyone found deliberately running out of their designated start zone may be disqualified without a race result. Start zones can be updated, if required, when collecting race numbers.
Course Maps
Saturday 3 May 2025
GRAND CENTRAL 5KM
Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport
RUNWAY MILE RACES
Pacers Program
The Pacers Program assists participants to achieve their time goals in the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon and ASICS Half Marathon. Pacers are experienced runners who aim to maintain a relatively even pace throughout the race with the goal to have you finishing slightly faster (30 seconds or so) than your goal time. As the Toowoomba course has some hills there will be times where they will have you running slightly faster than the average pace to make up for the climbs.
For easy visibility, the pacers will be carrying a coloured balloon and a goal time sign high amongst the starting runners. Each pace runner will also wear a singlet with the goal time marked on the back. It’s important to know the start zone your pace runner will be in and ensure you choose the same start zone when you enter so you can start the race near your pacers.
Marathon Pace Times
Since the marathon and half marathon both start together, the pace times (with the exception of the 1:30 half marathon pacer) have been designed to align together e.g. the 1:45:00 half marathon pacer and the 3:30:00 marathon pacer will run together whilst guiding & motivating you throughout the race. Pacers will run to the ‘Net Time’ (also called ‘Chip Time’). Net Time is the time it takes you to complete the distance once you’ve crossed the start line. Note: Due to participant numbers, it may take several minutes to cross the start line after the gun is fired.
Half Marathon Pace Times
Join reigning Supercar Championship driver Will Brown at the Grand Central 5km or the Runway Mile on Saturday 3 May 2025 at Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport.
Grab a photo and signature with Toowoomba local Supercar driver Will Brown at a signing session at the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport.
11:30am: Meet and Greet / Signing Session
1:00pm: Run with Will in the Grand Central 5km
2:30pm: Run with Will in the Runway Mile
Volunteers
Holding the finishing tape to welcome elated winners, handing out water to parched runners, presenting medals to excited finishers or being that person who guides everyone to where they need to be – volunteers are the lifeblood of all major events.
And more than 130 volunteers will support the delivery of the 2025 Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon with several returning from last year to do it all again.
Amy Dodt helped the events team welcome and register almost 2000 participants ahead of the 2024 event on the Saturday last year and came back for more on Sunday holding the finish tape at the finish line for the winners of each race.
“I really enjoyed being part of the event and seeing the excitement of the runners, especially at the finish line,” she said.
“It’s a fantastic experience. It’s such a great atmosphere – I love being part of the running community and supporting an event that brings so many people together.”
Whilst not participating this year Amy said she had friends from her running club competing and she was looking forward to cheering them on as well as volunteering over race weekend.
David Devine volunteers for Toowoomba parkrun in Queen’s Park most weekends and will be cheering on many of his mates who will be competing in events at the 2025 Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon.
David assisted with busy finish line duties at the 2024 event and is returning for more of the same this year.
“I’m unable to run or walk due to injury so I enjoy supporting those who can participate,” he said.
Events Management Queensland (EMQ)
CEO Ben Mannion said Amy and David epitomise the energy and enthusiasm of the volunteers who come back year after year to support the events we deliver.
“Events just wouldn’t happen without our volunteers – they love sport, supporting the athletes and helping to deliver an initiative that has benefits for the community in so many ways.”
“This is also an opportunity to build capability, upskill and develop a base of experienced volunteers who could potentially support the Equestrian event confirmed for the region for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.”
Finisher Medal
Toowoomba boasts a rich history of marathons in the city. The 2025 Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon finisher’s medal will be a coveted reward for all participants who complete the latest edition of the event. The medals feature iconic landmarks and the distinct colouring of Toowoomba’s historic floral emblem, the sweet violet.
The Grand Central 5km and Runway Mile medals for the events held on Saturday feature the Southern Cross SC-1, the aircraft that hangs boldly from the airport ceiling that serves as a tribute to the country’s rich aviation heritage.
FLY DIRECT TO TOOWOOMBA FROM SYDNEY, BRISBANE & REGIONAL QUEENSLAND
The Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport is Australia’s newest destination airport, providing a gateway to a rich and diverse travel experience. With direct services from Sydney, Brisbane, and Regional Queensland , along with convenient on-site car rental options, we are your ideal starting point to explore the beautiful Queensland Country region.
Altitude Bar & Café is open for all departing flights. With a backdrop like no other!
Victorian competitor Normandy Calma will put lots of fun in his run at the
Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon
Normandy Calma will get a birds-eye view of his impending competition venue when his flight from Melbourne lands in Toowoomba ahead of a weekend of racing at the 2025 Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon.
On a quest to run an event in every state and territory in Australia Normandy will tick Queensland off the list when he competes in the event’s Runway Mile and the Grand Central 5km on Saturday 3 May.
“I’ve never done an event in Queensland or been to Toowoomba and I was looking for a fun and unique event to take part in,” the quietly spoken Victorian shared.
“I noticed that the NRL Magic Round was in Brisbane, a short Greyhound bus ride from Toowoomba, so I decided I could run and then make my way to the football.”
Whilst conceding he is not a serious runner Normandy will put more fun in the run than most participants given, he’ll be dressing up and tackling the mile in one of his inflatable costume character suits.
“It’s very sweaty and like being in a sauna running in the suit but I love to bring joy to the kids and hear them cheer the character on and give a laugh to fellow racegoers,” he said.
He admits not doing a whole lot of training but makes sure his legs and body are right so he can enjoy the time.
“I’m more built for cruising”, he admits.
Keep an eye out for Normandy on course Saturday 3 May – will he run as Taz, the Tasmanian devil, channel some inner grit in an Angry Bird costume or will he just Scooby dooby do it for high paw fives at the finish line?
Spectator Zones and Supporters on the side
There are several designated spectator zones along the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon course where friends, family and supporters can gather to cheer on loved ones and participants in the event.
Cheers and applause from a crowd are not only a distraction when the going gets tough but uplifting messages on signs and banners can boost morale and deliver renewed determination for a participant to make the finish line.
If you’re not entering the event tap into your creative side, make a support sign and help make the event a memorable experience for all participants.
Homeowners on the course are also encouraged to support from the side, organise a neighbourhood driveway breakfast, create a sign and be a part of the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon.
▶ Picnic Point Lookout
▶ Toowoomba Sports Ground grandstand
▶ Queens Park
▶ Clewley Park lining the West Creek Pathway
Across the race weekend support these local businesses offering Toowoomba Marathon deals.
DEALS
SHOW YOUR REGISTRATION TO REDEEM OFFER VIEW
MARATHON DEALS
Show your registration in centre to access special deals
Find out more grandcentralshopping com au
Interval training sessions prepare Toowoomba runners for local events
Popular Toowoomba physiotherapist, podiatrist, accomplished ironman and triathlete, Pieter Van Der Kooij has continued the interval training sessions established by Toowoomba athlete, Matthew Macdonald with the objective of helping runners achieve their goals in a fun and practical environment.
Little did he know that the sessions would become so popular that between him and the Toowoomba Road Runners they would run three group sessions during the week with up to 140 eager runners striding it out in picturesque Queen’s Park.
Pieter said the sessions were a place to start for everyone and provided great lead in training for events including the Peak to Park and the May long weekend Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon.
“It’s really fulfilling to help people achieve their goals,” said Pieter who despite a long list of fitness achievements has never run a full marathon and will be making the 2025 Toowoomba race his first.
“I’m excited and thankful that my hometown is hosting an internationally standard marathon. It’s great that I get to train on the course and running through the likes of Queen’s Park I know there will be lots of supporters so it will be fun. It’s a really healthy and positive environment for the community with the different race lengths meaning there is an event for everyone,” Pieter said.
Road Closures
SUNDAY 4 MAY CLOSED OPEN
PRINCE HENRY HEIGHTS
Prince Henry Dr From Bridge St 5:00am 12:00pm
Bridge St
EAST TOOWOOMBA
Dudley St
Campbell St
Lindsay St
Arthur St
Hawthorn St
Margaret St
Kitchener St
Dudley St to Prince Henry Dr 5:00am 12:00pm
Bridge St to Campbell St 5:00am 12:15pm
Dudley St to Lindsay St 4:30am 12:15pm
Lilley St to Margaret St 3:30am 1:15pm
Lindsay St to Mary St 4:00am 1:15pm
Lindsay St to Mary St 4:00am 1:15pm
Lindsay St to Hume St 3:30am 1:00pm
Margaret St to James St 4:00am 6:35am
James Street Intersection Kitchener St 6:17am 6:32am
SOUTH TOOWOOMBA
Kitchener St
RANGEVILLE
Perth St
Perth St
Tourist Rd
James St to Perth St 4:00am 7:00am
Kitchener St to MacKenzie St 4:30am 7:00am
Mackenzie St to Tourist Rd 4:30am 7:15am
Perth St to Long St 4:30am 7:15am
Tourist Rd Long St to Tobruk Memorial Dr 4:30am 7:30am
Tobruk Memorial Dr
Long St
CENTENARY HEIGHTS
Long St
SOUTH TOOWOOMBA
Long St
Long St
Tourist Rd to Tourist Rd 4:30am 7:30am
Tourist Rd to MacKenzie St 4:30am 8:00am
MacKenzie St to Ramsay St 4:30am 8:00am
Ramsay St to Ruthven St 4:30am 8:00am
Ruthven St to Bashford St 4:30am 8:15am
Bashford St Long St to Stephen St 4:30am 8:15am
Stephen St
TOOWOOMBA CITY
Herries St
Ruthven St
Margaret St
Pechey St to Water St S 4:30am 8:15am
Dent St to Ruthven St 4:00am 8:30am
Herries St to Margaret St 4:00am 12:15pm
Ruthven St Hume St 4:00am 12:15pm
Transport
Saturday 3 May 2025
Parking
Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport
Participants and spectators may park in the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport carpark, located to the west of the airport terminal. Partial road closures will guide participants into the correct airport carpark.
Sunday 4 May 2025
Car Drop Off Zones
The Drop Off Zone is on Godsall Street. Vehicles are to access via Hume Street and u-turn at the end of Godsall Street. The Drop Off Zone is a five minute walk to the Race Precinct through Queens Park (eastbound).
Pedestrian Crossings
Pedestrian crossings on Lindsay Street to access the Race Precinct will be located outside Toowoomba Bowls Club and Arthur Street (one crossing).
Toowoomba Sports Ground
Parking
Participants and spectators may park in the TAFE car park between TAFE and Cobb & Co Museum. Vehicle access is via Hume Street onto Campbell Street. Please note that Lindsay Street and Campbell Street (east of Lindsay Street) are closed from 4am until the completion of the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon.
Tow Away Zones
Parking restrictions will apply on the course and vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense. Refer to event signage for these locations.
Travel Tips
If you live in affected suburbs or need to access these suburbs during the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon, please consider these travel tips:
▶ Add additional time to your journey in anticipation of delays.
▶ Due to this event, traffic in surrounding suburbs will be congested.
▶ Avoid travelling along James Street at Kitchener Street intersection between 6:00am and 6:35am as traffic delays are expected.
▶ After 6:35am use James Street to travel east and west.
▶ Access to Prince Henry Heights will be maintained under Queensland Police and Traffic Control direction. There will be periods when the number of runners using the road restricts access. To avoid delays, the best time to travel is before 6:15am and after 12:00pm.
▶ If travelling north and south, use Alderley Street onto West Street to avoid delays at Long Street.
▶ If possible, use the Toowoomba Bypass instead of Toowoomba Connection Road.
▶ If needing to egress from homes along the course during the marathon, where possible it is suggested to park on the closest side street on the evening of Saturday 3 May 2025.
▶ Please note there will be amplified sound before 7am in areas surrounding the course.
The Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon encourages all entrants to read and understand its policies and etiquette before participating.
Policies & Etiquette Cut Off Policy
Each race of the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon has an official cut off time in which entrants must complete their race. These cut off times are enforced so roads can be reopened to the public in accordance with event permits. These are all based off the gun time (i.e. the time when the starting gun is fired).
SATURDAY 3 MAY
Full policy, with cut off locations and timings, can be found here.
Policies & Etiquette
▶ The use of headphones is discouraged in all races for the safety of all entrants.
▶ Always follow the directions of all race officials and emergency service personnel.
▶ Position yourself at the start line according to the Start Zone you nominated when completing your race entry. It is clearly printed on the front of your race number to allow a smooth start for all entrants. If you wish to run with friends/family and they are in a different Start Zone you may start in a slower zone than that printed on your race number (e.g. someone with a B Zone label may start in B, or C but not in A).
▶ Entrants who are walking in the 5km must start from the rear of the field.
▶ Please do not stop or change directions suddenly.
▶ Keep to the left of the course to allow people to pass on the right.
Race Etiquette Weather Policy
The Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon will monitor race day weather conditions to determine if extreme heat or other weather conditions will have an adverse effect on entrants and associated events. Through our duty of care to our entrants, we reserve the right to indefinitely cancel or delay an event/s at short notice in the interest of entrant safety. The hot weather policy is consistent with Sport Medicine Australia’s Hot Weather Guidelines but entrants are reminded that they also have a duty of care to themselves and should only undertake the event if they are adequately prepared and medically fit.
2025 Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon Weather Policy
To celebrate our partnership with the Toowoomba Marathon, we’ve created a Limited-edition Toowoomba Marathon sock.
Available at the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport on Saturday 3rd May or the Toowoomba Sports Ground on Sunday 4th May.
www.steigen.com.au
Event Partners
Tourism and Events Queensland
When it comes to iconic Australian places, Queensland has its fair share. As one of the biggest states in Australia, some of the best places to visit are right here. When it comes to things to see and do, places to visit, and memorable experiences, Queensland has something for everyone. www.queensland.com
Events Management Queensland
EMQ is a major event management company wholly owned by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland that produces high profile, mass participation sporting events maximising economic impact. Events Management Queensland also proudly delivers the annual ASICS Gold Coast Marathon and the biennial Pan Pacific Masters Games. goldcoastevents.com.au
Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport
The Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport is Australia’s newest destination airport providing the easiest way to travel in and out of the Toowoomba and the Darling Downs region. With direct services to Sydney, Brisbane, and Regional Queensland, our airline providers Qantas and Regional Express makes flying easy, connecting you sooner. www.wellcamp.com.au
ASICS
ASICS the true sport performance brand has naming rights for the half marathon with hundreds of participants expected to stride it out on city streets in the 21.0975km race.
The world-renowned brand has been a long-time partner of sister event, the Gold Coast Marathon with the ASICS Toowoomba Half Marathon partnership an opportunity to reinforce their support of sport and showcase their footwear and apparel to a new audience. www.asics.com
Visit Toowoomba Region
Take a trip to the top of the Great Dividing Range and discover the Toowoomba Region. A 90 minute drive from Brisbane transports you to a world of stunning parks and gardens, nationally acclaimed street art, impressive historic buildings and country hospitality. visittoowoombaregion.com.au
Grand Central
Grand Central is centrally located in the heart of Toowoomba CBD, offering the only true experiential shopping destination in the Darling Downs. Visit us today for your one-stop shopping and dining experience in Toowoomba. grandcentralshopping.qicre.com
Event Partners
FIXX Nutrition
FIXX Nutrition will provide endurance drink mix Fuel X on course sports nutrition as the Official Sports Nutrition supplier for the event. A trusted brand recommended by top sporting and Olympic teams FIXX offer a range of all-natural functional solutions for athletes. fixxnutrition.com
Steigen
Famous for their colourful creations Steigen socks feature a lightweight, moisture-wicking blend of microfibre nylon and 20% lycra to ensure feet stay dry and friction free reducing the risk of blisters. Steigen socks General Manager Nick Chandley said they were excited to be involved with the Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon with the custom designed sock featuring the vibrant colours of gold and violet from the event logo. www.steigen.com.au
The Chronicle
Capturing all the colour and news before, after and during the event, Toowoomba Chronicle is on board as the official media partner. www.thechronicle.com.au
Toowoomba Hospital Foundation
Toowoomba Hospital Foundation is the official charity for the event and will provide several event volunteers to staff the refreshment station at the finish line and the sunscreen post in the event precinct. Any charitable donations will go to the foundation to support the build of a new Regional Cancer Centre to support the treatment and care of patients fighting cancer. www.toowoombahospitalfoundation.org.au
It’s a Bloke Thing
Formed in 2012 by a group of mates all of whom had experienced prostate cancer, It’s a Bloke Thing Foundation has raised in-excess of $14m to fund, in partnership with the PCFA specialised prostate cancer nurses, critical research and an education roadshow which travels throughout QLD, the NT and NSW. As Australia’s most diagnosed cancer with almost 11 men dying each day it’s imperative that we drive conversations about early detection. Early diagnosis means that 95.8% have a chance of surviving at least five years. Together we can drive better outcomes for men and their families. www.itsablokething.com.au
Toowoomba Road Runners
Toowoomba Road Runners have put their best feet forward to support the event and come on board as event partners. www.trr.org.au
