Mackay's First Full Moon Ultra Trail Run to Light Up Rowallan Park

Mackay, QLD — Trail running enthusiasts are in for an unforgettable adventure as Mackay's first Full Moon Ultra Trail Run debuts at Rowallan Park on 14 March 2025, bringing a thrilling new dimension to the region’s running calendar.

Organised by Tri-ActiV8, the Full Moon Ultra is an exciting addition to the popular “off the beaten track” trail run series, which is now in its third successful year. For the first time, Rowallan Park’s stunning trails will be open exclusively to runners for this event, with special permission granted to temporarily close the tracks to mountain bike riders.

The event offers runners three distinct challenges:

- Short 6km (1 lap)

- Mid 36km (6 laps)

- Long 72km (12 laps)

Inspired by the famous Backyard Ultras, the Full Moon Ultra introduces its own unique twist: the entire race is done under a full moon from 6pm to 6am. Participants will complete a 6km lap every hour on the hour, racing under the stars and guided by the light of the full moon. The winner will be determined by the fastest runner on the final lap of each distance category.

Prize money will be awarded for first, second, and third place in each distance, adding an extra incentive for runners to push themselves to the finish line.

Nikki Giles, Director of Tri-ActiV8, shared her excitement about the event’s overwhelming response:

"We are incredibly proud to bring this event to the Mackay community and trail runners everywhere. Expanding our 'off the beaten track' series to include the Full Moon Ultra was inspired by local Mackay athletes. The interest has surpassed all our expectations. We’ve had more sign-ups for this event than for any of our previous races, which speaks to the passion and adventurous spirit of our running community."

With Rowallan Park’s lush terrain and the mystique of a moonlit course, the Full Moon Ultra promises to be a night of camaraderie, endurance, and exhilaration.

Get ready to run wild under the Mackay moonlight — where the trail ends, the adventure begins!

Event Details:

Date: 14 March 2025

Location: Rowallan Park, Mackay

Start Time: 6:00 pm  

Distances: Short (6km - 1 lap), Mid (36km - 6 laps), Long (72km - 12 laps)

For more information and to register, visit the website page.