Runners leave the start line at Run the Plains in Moree in 2025.
Run the Plains returns to Moree on Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26, bringing two days of racing to the CBD and surrounding streets, along with road closures and changes to traffic across the weekend.
Friday night brings the event into the centre of town, with Balo Street closed to traffic as the Kiddos Dash, Community K and Kamilaroi K take over the main street. Saturday morning shifts to the longer distances, including the half marathon and the 36.1-kilometre Triple.
When does it start?
Friday’s action gets underway with the Kiddos Dash at 5.30pm, followed by a free performance from Cirque Um Navigate and the Community K at about 6.10pm.
Bluey and Bingo will join families for the Community K, with organisers planning a giant game of keepy uppy along Balo Street. Entry fees from the non-competitive event will go to Gwydir Industries.
The faster Kamilaroi K races follow from 6.30pm, with competitors racing one kilometre through the Moree CBD.
Saturday starts early, with the half marathon and Triple underway from 7am. The 10K starts at 9am, followed by the 5K at 10am and 3K at 11am.
Triple competitors will cover 36.1 kilometres across three races, but they will also be racing the clock between events. They have two hours to complete the half marathon and make the 10K start, then another hour to finish the 10K and line up for the 5K.
Late registrations will be available on Saturday until 30 minutes before each event.
What will the weather be like?
Conditions are looking good for the start of Saturday’s racing, although temperatures and UV levels will climb through the morning.
Organisers are expecting about 18 degrees at 8am, rising to 23 degrees by 11am, when UV is forecast to be very high. Friday evening is expected to be around 25 degrees at 6pm.
Runners are being encouraged to stay hydrated, use sunscreen and seek help if they feel unwell. First-aid accredited marshals will be positioned around the course, with medical assistance available if required.
There will also be a well-stocked Recovery Zone waiting at the finish, including drinks, fruit and recovery equipment. Organisers have ordered one tonne of ice for a bush ice bath, with runners planning to use it advised to bring a towel.
Which roads will be closed?
Motorists will need to plan around closures in the CBD on Friday evening and around Saturday’s running course.
Balo Street from Gwydir Street to Woolworths will be fully closed from 5pm to 9pm Friday, with a partial closure continuing from Woolworths towards Frome Street during the same period.
On Saturday, Albert Street from Frome Street to before the Moree Services Club, Heber Street from Frome Street to Bank Street, and Bank Street will close from 7am until noon.
Resident and emergency access will remain available on Bank Street, while motorists are being asked to take care on McElhone Street.
What about spectators?
There is plenty happening without pulling on a pair of running shoes.
Friday night offers the Kiddos Dash, circus performance and Community K in Balo Street, while Saturday’s longer races give spectators plenty of opportunities to support competitors around the course.
There is even something riding on the cheering, with 61 Balo offering a prize for the best spectator sign on Saturday.
About 100 volunteers will also be working across Run the Plains, covering everything from course marshalling and first aid to hydration stations, bib collection and the finish line.
What happens afterwards?
Saturday’s official after-party begins at the Amaroo Tavern from 2pm and is open to everyone, with complimentary food and the AFL Grand Final on the big screen. Drinks on the house are specifically for Run the Plains sponsors and volunteers.
Run the Plains entrants will also receive free entry to the Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre from 1pm Saturday until 1pm Sunday.
