Registration for this event closes at Thu 13 Aug 2026 12:01.
RCTC Half Marathon 2026
We’re excited to announce the 2026 edition of the RCTC Half Marathon, taking place on Sunday 16 August 2026.
Starting and finishing at the stunning Darwin Surf Life Saving Club, the race features a single‑lap, out‑and‑back course along the iconic Nightcliff Foreshore. This is a must‑do event on the Darwin running calendar and one we hope continues to grow year after year.
The access road from the Daribah Road roundabout will be closed prior to race start until the final runner has passed through
Parking will be available at Casuarina Cliffs for anyone arriving while the access road is closed
The carpark adjacent to the surf club (at the bottom of the hill) will be closed for the duration of the event, as runners will finish through this area
Friends, family, and supporters are asked to park either opposite the surf club on the road or further down at the first carpark on the right
Please avoid using the surf club carpark, as Nippers will be on
When
Sunday 16 August 2026
Race briefing: 6:20 am
Race start: 6:30 am, on the road outside the surf club
Registration & Bib Collection
Early-bird entries close on July 5th at 9pm. Early-bird entry costs are $35 for RCTC members and $60 for non-members
Regular entry costs after July 5th are $45 for RCTC members and $75 for non-members
Regular registrations close Thursday 13 August at midday. Entries will remain open after this time; however, timing chip availability cannot be guaranteed
Bib pick‑up: Nightcliff parkrun – Saturday 15 August at 8:00 - 9:00 am.
Marrara Athletics Track – Thursday 13 August at 5:00 - 6:00pm.
There will be no on the day bib pick-up. Please organise a friend to get your bib if you can't make it
Entries are restricted to participants aged 16 years and over on race day
Official Event T‑Shirt 👕
A one‑off RCTC Half Marathon 2026 event T‑shirt will be available to purchase as part of your entry.
The dealine for race-day collection has passed, but Tshirts are available to order. These will be posted out after race day. Available to order when registering for the race.
The course is a single lap, out‑and‑back along the Nightcliff Foreshore
Traffic management will be in place at key locations, with volunteers guiding runners where required
Cut‑off time: 2 hours 45 minutes, due to traffic control requirements Runners may continue after this time, but traffic management and water stations may no longer be in operation
Water & Hydration
Running in the NT means hydration is critical—even if we’re lucky with a cooler morning.
Eight water stations in total, evenly spread across the course:
Three along the outbound section
One as runners pass back through the start area
One at the turnaround point
Water will be provided in paper cups
Public bubblers are available along the foreshore
Runners may wish to carry a handheld bottle or hydration vest
Sponsors
We’re proud to be supported by a fantastic group of local businesses. Sponsor announcements coming soon — watch this space!