SYDNEY TRAIL HALF MARATHON

RUNNERS GUIDE 2025

SUMMER EDITION

WELCOME TO THE

SYDNEY TRAIL HALF MARATHON

Thank you to everyone who has signed up for the Sydney Trail Half Marathon, Summer Edition 2025!

Like every 180 Cadence event no stone has been left unturned to ensure that every runner, volunteer, and spectator has a great race on the trails. Remember to smile, look out for one another, and most importantly, enjoy your time out on the trails.

Thank you to the City of Parramatta, The King’s School, and the amazing volunteers who make this event possible.

This will also be my first time running our events. I look forward to sharing the trails with everyone at the Sunday race. If you need anything before race day please don’t hesitate to reach out.

- Alex Treglown, Event Director

RUNNERS GUIDE

  • The Sydney Trail Half Marathon will take place on:

    • Saturday the 6th of December

    • Sunday the 7th of December

    At the stunning Parramatta Lake Reserve! Google maps link.

    The race will start at 6:30 am

  • You would have recieved an email reminding you which day you a running. If you do not remember what day you are running please email us at: info@sydneytrailhalfmarathon.au

  • The event schedule is the same for both days.

    • Race Day Bib Collection: 5:30 am

    • Race Briefing: 6:10 am

    • Race Start: 6:30 am

    • Expected First Finisher: 8:00 am

    • Cut Off Time : 10:30 am

  • You will be able to collect your bib pre race & during the race. There will be no bib mail outs.

    Tuesday 2nd December to Thursday 4th December: At Pace Athletic Rozelle during store opening hours.

    Race Day: You can collect your bib between 5:30 AM and 6:15 AM

    Bib Numbers will be emailed to you the week of the race.

  • Getting to the Sydney Trail Marathon is straightforward. The event kicks off at Lake Parramatta. Participants will find parking just outside the lake and along the surrounding streets. No parking is allowed inside the lake. Follow the marshals on race day.

    The starting line is located near the Lake Parramatta Cafe near the newly built swimming area.

    Google Maps Link.

  • No runners are allowed to park inside the park, as there are limited spots available & they must be left open for the public.

    You will find lots of parking in the surrounding streets & the overflow parking area.

  • The following mandatory gear is required:

    • 1 x mobile phone

    • 1 x Snake Bandage

    • The ability to carry 500ml of water. This can be a flask, bladder, water bottle, etc…

  • We’ve worked extremely hard to put together the best Sydney Trail Half Marathon course.

    On race day you’ll have an amazing trail running experience, blending technical single track sections with fire trail portions that allow for a more open stride. As you navigate the route, you'll encounter varying terrain, including challenging hills and scenic stretches that showcase the natural beauty of the area. It's important to approach the more technical segments with caution, taking your time and being mindful of your footing to ensure a safe and enjoyable run

    Should you find yourself behind a slower runner, we ask that you exercise patience and courtesy by politely requesting space to pass when it's safe for them to do so. Likewise, if you hear someone approaching from behind, please allow them the opportunity to overtake

    You can find a link to the course here:

  • There will be a 180 Cadence Gazebo where runners can drop a bag for post race. We recommend that you bring a fresh change of warm clothes for after the race. 

    We ask that you do not leave any valuable possessions in your bag drop. 

  • In order to access the Hunts Creek Reserve and run past the amazing waterfall, runners are required to cross multiple roads. 

    All roads will have marshals stationed to help you cross the road but we cannot stop traffic. We must let the cars cross go past first before crossing the road. 

    Remember to look before crossing and listen to the marshals. 

  • We will be working with the best photographers in the business to get you some amazing race photos that you will recieve for free after the event. A link will be sent to you when they are ready to download.

  • There are toilets next to Lake Parramatta Cafe that you can use.

    There are no toilets on course.

  • There will be trophies awarded to the first, second and third males & females to cross the line on both days

    There is no combined trophy for the fastest time across both days

    There are no age group trophies or awards.

    There will be live results. We will share the link pre race.

    Final results will be sent to you after the race + uploaded to UTMB for indexing

  • You will pass the aid station twice, once at the 10 km mark and 14.5 km mark

    You'll find a variety of fruits, lollies and water to keep your spirits high and your energy levels sustained. Make sure to thank the volunteers at the Aid Station

    There is also an aid station once you cross the finish line

  • Safety is a top priority for us at the Sydney Trail Half Marathon. We strongly encourage all runners to keep an eye out for one another throughout the race. In the spirit of camaraderie and mutual support that defines the trail running community, we ask that you stay vigilant and assist fellow runners in need

    Should you encounter any issues or emergencies during the event, please do not hesitate to contact the race director immediately. Our number is found on the back of your bib.

    For your safety and wellbeing, we have trained medical staff stationed at the race hub. Additionally, to ensure everyone's safety throughout the event, sweepers will follow the last marathon runner after they commence their second lap, ready to offer support and assistance as needed

  • Once the podium has been decided there will be a short prize giving presentation

    After crossing the finishing line of the Sydney Trail Half Marathon you will receive a medal in recognition of your hard work and your finisher singlet. You will also get access to a post race BBQ & refreshments

    Additionally there is a brand new swimming area + a cafe.

  • All runners will receive a running singlet for signing up to the Sydney Trail Half Marathon. You will be able to collect this after you finish your race.

  • Given that the course can be quite technical at points it is our recommendation that you wear a trail running shoes during the event.

    We recommend that you head over to your local running store and try some on.

  • At 180 Cadence we treat course marking like a piece of art and take it very seriously.

    The STHM course is very well marked and there are multiple marshals out on course. However, you can still take a wrong turn if you aren’t paying attention.

    Please follow the 180 Cadence trail flags and arrows. Don’t go over red crossing tape or follow a path marked with red arrows.

    If you get lost, there is a number on the back of your bib to call.

GETTING TO THE RACE AND PARKING

There is a large grass field found near the Lake Parramatta entrance that is open for parking.

There is also plenty of parking in the surrounding streets outside of Lake Parramatta. Some of the closest parking can be found at the following streets; Bourke Street, Iron Street, Brown Street, Byrnes Street, Gloucester Avenue and surrounds.

The race starts and finishes inside of Lake Parramatta near the cafe.

Runners will be unable to park inside of Lake Parramatta. There will be marshals at the Parramatta Lake gate entrance not allowing runners to park inside the lake. Please allow lots of time to find a park and get your bib.

GOOGLE MAPS: MAIN PARKING
GOOGLE MAPS: BEST STREET PARKING
GOOGLE MAPS: START / FINISH LINE

We acknowledge the Burramatta people, Traditional Custodians of the land where the Sydney Trail Half Marathon takes place. 

As we traverse the trails of Lake Parramatta Reserve, we are reminded of the significance of these lands in the stories, culture, and heritage of the Aboriginal community. We are grateful for the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate this beautiful landscape, and we commit to respecting and preserving its natural and cultural values for future generations.

We pay our respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging, and recognise their connection to this land.

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