Race day is nearly here!
Congratulations on securing a spot for the 2026 Coastal Classic. We hope your training has gone well and you are all set for what promises to be another spectacular race day.
As a point-to-point event, logistics for the Coastal Classic are a bit more involved than your average trail running event and further complicating travel in 2026 there is trackwork on the Illawarra and South Coast lines meaning no trains to Otford on event day.
The best option for arriving at the start is to drive to Sutherland or Wollongong Train Stations and catch dedicated event buses from those locations. Thanks to Transport for NSW for supplying replacement buses to get everyone to the start line! Please see details below for exact times and to help with your planning. We ask you to make sure you arrive early to catch the shuttle buses to the event, we need all shuttle buses filled with runners so plan ahead and set that alarm!
The Event Program for this year is now available on the link above, please read it carefully prior to race day.
A reminder that race bibs will be available for collection race morning from rego at the Otford Public School (right next to the start line), unless you opted in for a paid posted race bib when signing up. Race Bib numbers will be emailed out on Thursday 3rd September after transfers close.
Also don’t forget our aid stations are cup free and it is mandatory for all runners to carry 500mL of fluids. Collapsible cups and 500mL soft flasks are available for purchase at the start line if you forget.
We look forward to seeing you on the start line for the 17th Coastal Classic
GETTING TO THE START LINE
BUSES TO OTFORD
With trackwork on the rail network on event day in 2026, the organised shuttle buses are the best option for arriving at the start.
We ask all runners to make sure you arrive with plenty of time to find a park, make your way to the train station and catch one of the shuttle buses. The buses will depart regularly but we need all buses to be full to transport everyone, so set that alarm and arrive early.
Special event shuttle buses will depart Sutherland and Wollongong Train Station on event morning to transport all runners to the event. These buses have been organised by Transport for NSW and are part of the public transport network. Runners using existing public transport links to arrive at the departure points should allow extra time and plan in advance – noting that train replacement buses will be operating across the Illawarra and South Coast lines.
Both Sutherland and Wollongong Train Station have ample parking, and you will be dropped off only a short walk from Otford Public School and the Start line.
Buses from Sutherland Train Station: Look for buses numbered 75SC, stopping at Waterfall then express to Otford. Departing Sutherland from 0630, last bus departs at 0730.
Buses from Wollongong Train Station: Look for buses numbered 76SC, express to Otford. Departing Wollongong at 0650 and 0710.
RUNNER DROP OFF
There is no parking at Otford Public School as Station Rd will be closed for the start of the event. Instead, we strongly encourage you to arrive by bus to Otford (see above details). There is very limited parking in Otford itself. Runner drop-offs on Lady Wakehurst Drive or Otford Road are possible. The event shuttle buses will be travelling via Helensburgh to arrive at Otford so we ask runners arriving by car to the event to avoid that route. The alternative route via Bald Hill takes the same amount of time.
We ask all runners arriving by car get dropped off at the designated runner drop off locations. Please do not turn onto Domville Rd from Lady Wakehurst Dr. Either walk down Domville Rd from the drop off point at the top of the road at the bakery, or drive via Otford Rd to the Rural Fire Brigade drop off point. Your driver can then proceed up Domville Rd to return to Lady Wakehurst Dr
