There is only one month to go until the 4th edition of the Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival, which now includes RUN PORT DOUGLAS on Saturday 13 September and the Gran Fondo being held on Sunday 14 September.
“We are on track for another exciting edition of the Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival. What we love about this event is that you don’t need to be an athlete to participate with running events ranging from the 2km Run/Walk through to the Half Marathon and rides ranging from 48km’s to 136km’s,” said the Festival Director Bade Stapleton, Connect Sport Australia Managing Director.
“Entries into RUN PORT DOUGLAS are well ahead of forecast and we are on track to have 1,500+ runners taking part in the very first event,” he said.
The Scott family are Port Douglas locals, and they are all excited about participating as a family.
“We have been planning our costumes for the run as there is a prize for the best dressed group. We’d love to win the 4 tickets to snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef with Quicksilver Cruises, so we are going all out,” said Carie Scott.
“The kids are super excited and we are all doing the 2km Run/Walk so we can be a part of the fun of this awesome new event for Port Douglas,” she said.
Assistant Minister for Tourism and Member for Barron River, Bree James MP said: “The Queensland Government’s investment in the Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival demonstrates our commitment to supporting events that promote healthy living, family fun, and regional tourism growth. It’s fantastic to see an event that welcomes everyone, showcases our region’s natural beauty and encourages green time over screen time.”
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said both events were a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to take part in an event that showcased our beautiful region.
“RUN PORT DOUGLAS is more than just a fun run – it’s a scenic showcase of Port Douglas. With the course including Flagstaff Hill, Four Mile Beach and weaving its way through our streets, it offers visiting entrants a unique way to experience this beautiful tourist town,” Mayor Scomazzon said.
“Riding the Cook Highway without traffic during the Gran Fondo is equally breathtaking and a rare opportunity to enjoy the coastline at your own pace.
“It’ll be fantastic to see so many people in town that weekend, taking part in the events and then supporting cafes and restaurants and other local businesses.”
Member for Cook, David Kempton: “Port Douglas is synonymous with running, cycling, and swimming events and once again is hosting a major event in September 2025 with the Grand Fondo and Run Port Douglas. Competitors, spectators, organisers, and volunteers have the added bonus of enjoying one of the most spectacular places in Queensland. This year’s event will be no exception as the Douglas coast turns on its charm once again.”
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden: “Events like the Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival showcase the very best of our tropical lifestyle — where fitness, fun and family all come together against one of the most spectacular backdrops in the country. Whether you’re walking, riding, running or cheering from the sidelines, this festival captures the spirit of Far North Queensland and brings our communities together in the most vibrant way.”
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The Festival Director Bade Stapleton said Tropical North Queensland residents could get $20 off their Gran Fondo entry cost by using the promo code LOCALS when registering. With prices set to increase at midnight 14 August now is the time to enter.
“The Great Barrier Reef Drive will be closed for half a day on Sunday September 14 with timed 136km and 100km return Gran Fondo rides from Port Douglas to Palm Cove, a 60km Semi Fondo ride from Port Douglas to Wangetti and back and a 48km one-way leisurely Medio Fondo ride from Palm Cove to Port Douglas,” he said.
“We are encouraging families to make a day of it by riding the 48km Medio Fondo together without the pressure of racing for a time.”
The Festival kicks off on Saturday September 13 with RUN PORT DOUGLAS and the Hartley’s to Port 40km mountain bike race, starting from Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures and both the run and mountain bike rides finishing on Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas.
Registrations can be made at www.portdouglasgranfondo.com.au which also has accommodation and itinerary options suitable for runners, cyclists and their families to stay longer for a holiday.
The 2025 Port Douglas Gran Fondo is proudly supported by Douglas Shire Council, Cairns Regional Council, Tourism Tropical North Queensland, Tourism Port Douglas Daintree and the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland.
