FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum age to participate?
Runners must be at least 15 years old on race day to participate in the half marathon.
Participants in the 5K and 10k must be at least 12 years old on race day, unless accompanied by an adult.
What are the course cutoff times?
The course cut-off for the half marathon is 3 hours, or 8:30 per km
The course cut-off for the 10K is 2 hours, or 12:00 per km
The course cut-off for the 5K is 1 hour, or 12:00 per km
Is the course suitable for wheelchairs or prams?
Half Marathon and 10K: with low tide around 10:00 am there will be plenty of runable, hard-packed sand on the beach, though there are some sections of soft sand as you come on and off the beach. The trails through Aldinga Conservation Park are mostly hard surfaces, but again there are a couple of sandy sections. Suitability for wheelchairs or prams will depend on your level of fitness so we recommend checking the course in person to decide whether it is suitable for you.
The 5K and Kids’ Beach Dash are both run on the beach, which is mostly hard-packed sand with a section of softer sand as you come off the beach and into the finish chute.
Can I walk?
You can run, jog or walk any of the distances as long as you can finish within the designated cutoff time – see above.
Can I run/walk with my child in the Kids' Dash?
Yes, of course you can. Parents and older siblings are welcome to run or walk with and encourage their little champions along the course!
There is no need for buddy runners to register – it’s all for fun 🙂
Can I run with a dog?
Unfortunately not as dogs are not permitted in the grounds of Aldinga Conservation Park, with the exception of assistance dogs. Please let us know if you are planning to run or walk with an assistance dog so we can notify Department of Enviironment and Water in advance.
Why do I have to pay extra for a medal (and engraving)?
We understand that some runners treasure their finisher medals whilst others prefer to keep entry fees to a minimum. Medals and engraving are an optional purchase at Great Southern Runs events to give every runner the choice.
Can I transfer to a different distance after I have entered?
Of course. If you wish to change race distance after you have registered, simply email your request to hello@greatsouthernruns.com or see us in person at the bib collection on race morning.
If you transfer to a longer distance event you will be required to pay the additional entry fee applicable at the time of transfer.
If you transfer to a shorter distance event more than 4 weeks before race day you will receive a refund of the difference between your original entry fee and the entry fee for your new distance at the time of transfer.
If you transfer to a shorter distance event within 4 weeks of race day the difference in entry fees will not be refunded
Can I transfer my entry to another runner?
No – transfers are not permitted as all runners are required to complete their details (including emergency contact info) and accept the event participation waiver through our online registration system.
If you are unable to participate you can request a refund up to 4 weeks before race (or up to 1 week before race day if you purchased Diamond Cover with your race entry). Click here to view our full refund policy.
What is your refund policy?
Basic refund insurance is included with all race entries, allowing you to receive a refund of race entry & extras (less a $12 admin fee) up to 4 weeks before race day for any reason – no questions asked.
After this time, all income is committed to delivering the event and refunds/credits are not available unless you have taken out Diamond Cover Insurance. Click here to view our full refund policy.
What is Diamond Cover?
Diamond Cover is an additional insurance option to give you greater protection should you need to withdraw from an event with less than 4 weeks to go until race day. For a small premium, you will be eligible for a full refund up to one week before race day with no further admin fees. Click here for more information.
When will my race pack be posted?
If you selected the postage option, your race pack (containing your bib and any merch you bought) will be posted to you approximately 3 weeks prior to race day to allow plenty of time for delivery.
What happens if I don't receive my race bib in the post?
If you selected the postage option and your race pack does not arrive before race day we can easily issue a replacement for you. Come and see our team at bib collection on race morning and they will look after you.
When can I collect my race pack from The Running Company?
If you selected The Running Company pick up option, your race pack (containing your bib and any merch you bought) will ready for you to collect from Saturday 14 to Friday 27 September 2024.
The Running Company – 278 Unley Road, Hyde Park, Adelaide
The Running Company – 39 Beach Road, Christies Beach
If you do not pick up your race pack from The Running Company by Friday 27 September it will be available to pick up on race morning instead.
Race packs will not be available to collect from The Running Company on Saturday 28 September.
How do I update my registration details (email, emergency contact, etc.) ?
Click here or use the link at the top of your registration confirmation email to update your details by Thursday 26 September.
Can I register for the race after online registration has closed?
Last minute registrations will be accepted at bib collection on race morning.
Is there a bag drop?
Race bib collection, bag drop, refreshments, massage, etc will be located in the grassed area adjacent to the Aldinga Bay Surf Life Saving Club.
The bag drop tent will not be manned during the event so please leave any valuable items locked safely in your car or with your supporters.
Where will I find my race result?
A link to results can be found at https://greatsouthernhalfmarathon.com.au/results/ for you and your supporters to check your race result as soon as you cross the finish line.
Any timing discrepancies should be emailed to timing@eventstrategies.com.au immediately. Results will be made final on Wednesday after race day.
Can I wear headphones during the race?
Wearing of headphones is discouraged. Enjoy the serenity of the course, or chat with your fellow competitors. If you do choose to wear headphones, please have your music at a low volume or use just one earpiece so that you can still hear traffic and safety instructions from our course marshals.
How does the electronic timing work?
Electronic transponder timing services will be provided by Event Strategies to ensure accurate and quick publishing of race results.
- You will be allocated a race number bib and it has an electronic timing tag on the back linked to you and the race you have entered.
- Before you start you must notify Timing Officials if any of your entry information needs changing e.g. you are changing race distance.
- Do not use someone else’s number bib as this will produce false results for everyone.
- Attach the bib at waist height to the outside front of whatever top you will be wearing. Do not bend or fold the tag or tamper with it.
- Your time and number will be recorded when you pass a timing point provided your race number bib is visible. Covering it with clothing or your hands as you operate a watch will prevent it recording.
- Ensure you start at the correct time for our race distance.
- Race bibs are your keepsake of the Great Southern Half Marathon & do not need to be returned.
- If you cut the course short (for example by skipping a lap, or taking a shortcut), do not pass through the finish timing point as we may inadvertently think you have won the race. Please notify Timing Officials if this occurs.
- If you lose your race number bib during the race you must notify Timing Officials as soon as you cross the finish timing point.
- Please notify Timing Officials if you pull out of your race before finishing