Stromlo Running Festival has attracted tens of thousands of runners (and walkers) from across Canberra and interstate since it began in 2009. Photo: Stromlo Running Festival.
Registrations are officially open for Stromlo Running Festival 2025. And if last year’s numbers are anything to go by, the destination trail event is set to break records once again.
Just shy of 3000 people descended on Stromlo Forest Park for the 2024 event, more than half first-timers and women.
Professional athletes, social runners and family groups made up the remainder of the grand mix.
Following such a great turnout, race director Mel Bingley is keen to see plenty of familiar faces around the trail this year.
“SRF [Stromlo Running Festival] is a total gem in the Canberra calendar. We are really lucky to have such a loyal and diverse community,” she says.
“We had to open registrations a month early this year to meet demand, so we’re definitely expecting another record-breaking festival this November.”
Co-founded 16 years ago by local marathon legend Robert de Castella, Stromlo Running Festival celebrates the courage, resilience and determination shown by Canberrans after devastating bushfires swept the capital in 2003.
If you haven’t attended the event before, Mel says you’re in for a treat.
“This is a prime opportunity for people of all ability levels to come together and tackle a challenging off-road trail,” she says.
“Running through the park is incredible, many areas really feel like you’re out in the wilderness.
“But it’s more than that. It’s a chance to prove to yourself just how strong you can be… crossing that finish line is a feeling like no other.”
Six races are on the cards for November, so there’s something to suit every runner.
Compete in your choice of 5, 10, 15, or 30-kilometre courses, each set to panoramic views of Canberra, Black Mountain Tower and the Brindabella ranges.
Kids can also enjoy a fun 2.5-kilometre run on the dedicated cross-country course, ending at a finish line filled with flair.
Up for the ultimate challenge? The SRF Marathon is back, with 42.2 gruelling kilometres designed to test even the strongest distance runners to their limits.
The race made a smashing debut in 2024, quickly earning a reputation as “Canberra’s hardest marathon”. Runners have eight hours to tackle Mt Stromlo’s double summit, experiencing 1500 metres of elevation gain as they go.
Volunteer registrations will open later in the year. All participants who register for a run before 30 June also receive a free event T-shirt, which has become quite the collector’s item among regular attendees.
“Our festival is growing in a great way, but we still rely on volunteers to help everything run smoothly,” Mel says.
“Many of them support us time and time again. Seeing their huge collective effort warms my heart every time.
“This all started as a grassroots effort to connect our community, remember the [2003] bushfires, and celebrate the strength and resilience that got our city through them. We will stay true to that, no matter how big we get.”
Whether tackling the trail at a run, walk, or somewhere in between, this year’s Stromlo Running Festival participants will be part of something truly special.
SRF2025 will be held at Stromlo Forest Park on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 November. For more information or to register for SRF2025, visit Stromlo Running Festival.
