There is only 1 week to go until the 4th edition of the Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival, with the exciting new addition to the Festival, Run Port Douglas, being held Saturday 13 September 2025.
“Everything is on track for another amazing event this year,” said Bade Stapleton, Festival Director.
“We have riders and runners coming from every state and territory in Australia and from across the globe to visit and enjoy everything our region has to offer. The Festival is just the perfect excuse to visit,” he said.
“Andy Buchanan has set the fastest marathon time by any Australian in history and has represented Australia at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and World Championships. Andy was in Cairns recently, so I took him up to Port Douglas to run the Half Marathon course,” said Mr Stapleton.
What did he think about the course? “That is one of the best Half Marathon courses I have ever run, anywhere in the world. Running along the hard packed sand on Four Mile Beach was so good that I didn’t want it to end,” said Andy Buchanan.
“I was thrilled when Bade asked if I’d like to be an ambassador for the event. I’m so excited to be involved and just disappointed that I can’t race the first event as I’ll be at the Athletics World Championships in Tokyo and racing the marathon on the same day. But I’ll be back up for the 2026 edition and I can’t wait!” said Andy.
Douglas Shire Mayor Lisa Scomazzon:
“Council is inviting everyone from across the Douglas Shire and Cairns region to come and be part of the Port Douglas Gran Fondo Festival weekend.”
“Whether you’re running, riding or cheering from the sidelines, it’s a great chance to enjoy the energy and hospitality of Port Douglas. We’re really hopeful that local businesses will get on board and offer some special offers for medal-wearers to help keep the Run Port Douglas mood going long after competitors cross the finish line.”
Festival Director Bade Stapleton said Tropical North Queensland residents could get $20 off their entry cost for any distance in the Gran Fondo cycling events by using the code LOCALS when registering.
“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.
Registrations can be made at www.portdouglasgranfondo.com.au or www.runportdouglas.com.au
