I RUN the RIVER with Active CB
Saturday 24 October 2026
Ready to run somewhere new?
Where: Tasker Park - Cooks River Path, Canterbury
Date: Saturday 24 October 2026
Get ready for an unforgettable running experience at the I RUN the RIVER with Active CB Festival – a fun, inclusive event designed for all ages and abilities. Choose from 3km, 7km, 14km or 21.1km distances, whether you’re a seasoned runner, casual jogger, walker or just enjoying a day out with family and friends.
Set along the scenic Cooks River Path in Canterbury, each course is flat, clearly marked and perfect for participants of all fitness levels. You’ll run beside tranquil waterways and lush surrounds, making it a truly enjoyable and accessible event for everyone.
Major sponsor: Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL Club
Everyone who registers receives an I RUN the RIVER boot bag, and upon finishing, you'll be presented with a finisher medal.
Race times
- Start time for 21.1km: 8:45am
- Start time for 14km: 9:15am
- Start time for 7km: 9:45am
- Start time for 3km: 10:30am
Please arrive at least one hour before your race to check in and pick up your bib
Race hub
Frequently Asked Questions
| Distance | Aged 16+ | Under 16 |
| 21.1km | $50 | not eligible |
| 14km | $40 | $30 |
| 7km | $30 | $20 |
| Crayv 3km Fun Run | $20 | $10 |
We welcome runners of all ages. Anyone can enter the 3km, 7km and 14km events. You need to be 16 years or over to enter the 21.1km distance.
Please note: The start and finish of every distance is on grass.
All participants must be registered to be allowed on the course, regardless of age.
Children aged under 5 MUST be accompanied by an adult.
- Start time for 21.1km: 8.45am
- Start time for 14km: 9.15am
- Start time for 7km: 9:45am
- Start time for 3km Crayv Fun Run: 10.30am
Please arrive at least one hour before your race to check in and pick up your bib.
The starting point is the RUN HUB, which also includes the check-in area and expo. It’s located at Tasker Park, 15 Phillips Avenue, Canterbury.
Yes. Runners need to complete the 21.1km distance under three hours to get marshal support and have their results recorded.
You can collect your race bib on the day at the check-in table.
Your race timing chip is in your bib, so you need to wear it on the front of your clothing during the race. The chip is needed for timing, to help marshals direct you on the course and to identify you in photos.
Race bibs feature a special tear-off baggage tag that you can attach to your gear to keep it safe during your run.
The gear drop-off area is located near the check-in area. We will look after your belongings while you race, but it's not a good idea to leave valuables in the baggage area.
Registration open times per race:
- 21.1km: 7.00-8:30am
- 14km: 7:35-9.00am
- 7km: 8:20-9.45am
- 3km: 8:50-10.15am
Please make sure you arrive to register during your distance allocation times.
- Canterbury-Hurlstone Park RSL stall
- Crayv Protein stall
- Red Bull Live DJ
- Red Bull Mini Cooper with free energy drinks
- Free massages with iMove Physio
- Barbecue sausage sizzle
- Plus, many more
- Also available at the Run HUB: water, first aid, toilets
Limited parking will be available at the Canterbury Leisure & Aquatic Centre.
There will also be limited parking early on Phillip Avenue and in surrounding streets.
Water stations will be located throughout the courses:
- At 3km,10km and 17km distances
- Hurlstone Park FC Water Station at 5km 12km and 19km distances
Yes, the event will still go ahead if it is raining.
There will be a professional photographer on the day to capture all the action. Photos will be available soon after the event for download.
Contact our Active Lifestyle Officer via email at erin.turner@cbcity.nsw.gov.au or call 9707 8155.
Course details
Starting on the grass at Tasker Park, the 3km course follows a scenic out-and-back route along the beautiful Cooks River Cycleway.
From the start, runners complete a short loop of Tasker Park before crossing the Tasker Park Footbridge. After the bridge, turn right and follow the cycleway, keeping to the right-hand side of the path at all times. Continue along the river past Boat Harbour to the designated turnaround point located just beyond the reserve.
After the turnaround point, retrace the same route back towards Tasker Park. Cross the Tasker Park Footbridge and follow the course into the finish area.
The course is predominantly smooth, paved pathway, making it an accessible and enjoyable experience for runners and walkers of all abilities. With its picturesque riverside setting and easy-to-follow route, the 3km event is ideal for families, beginners and anyone looking to take on a shorter, fun challenge.
Safety reminder: Please keep to the right-hand side of the path at all times and be mindful of other runners, cyclists and path users.
On the return journey, complete the Cup and Saucer Loop before continuing along the river to the Ewen Park Footbridge. From there, follow the course back towards Tasker Park, passing the 3km turnaround point before entering the park and heading through the final section to the finish line.
The course is predominantly flat and follows smooth, paved pathways, with two short single-file gravel sections adding a touch of variety. Several footbridge crossings along the route create a flowing and enjoyable running experience while showcasing the best of the riverside surroundings.
On the return journey, complete the Cup & Saucer Loop, then continue following the river to Ewen Park Footbridge. From there, the course returns to the Tasker Park turnaround point, before entering Tasker Park and following the final section through to the finish line.
The route is predominantly smooth, paved pathway, with two short single-file gravel sections adding some variety. The course also includes several footbridge crossings, creating a flowing and enjoyable running experience.
With beautiful riverside scenery, varied terrain, and a fast, accessible layout, the 7km event is ideal for runners and walkers of all abilities looking to enjoy a memorable run along the Cooks River.
Safety reminder: Please keep to the right-hand side of the path at all times and be mindful of other runners, cyclists and path users.
Starting on the grass at Tasker Park, the 14km course consists of two laps of a scenic 7km loop along the beautiful Cooks River Cycleway.
Runners begin with a short loop of Tasker Park before crossing the Tasker Park Footbridge. After the bridge, turn right and continue along the cycleway, keeping to the right-hand side of the path at all times. Follow the river past Boat Harbour and continue to the second footbridge.
Cross the footbridge and turn right to join the cycleway on the opposite side of the river. Continue towards Saint Mary MacKillop Reserve, following the course to the designated turnaround point before retracing your steps along the same path.
On the return journey, complete the Cup and Saucer Loop before continuing along the river to the Ewen Park Footbridge. From there, follow the course back towards Tasker Park to the lap turnaround point, where the second and final lap begins.
Runners will complete this loop twice. Please note that you will not re-enter Tasker Park after the first lap. Once the second lap is complete, follow the course back into the park and through the finish area.
With beautiful riverside scenery, varied terrain, and a fast, accessible layout, the 14km event offers a rewarding challenge for runners looking to step up from the shorter distances while enjoying one of the Cooks River's most scenic routes.
Safety reminder: Please keep to the right-hand side of the path at all times and be mindful of other runners, cyclists and path users.
Half Marathon Course (21.1km)
Runners begin with a short loop of Tasker Park before crossing the Tasker Park Footbridge. After the bridge, turn right and continue along the cycleway, keeping to the right-hand side of the path at all times. Follow the river past Boat Harbour and continue to the second footbridge.
Cross the footbridge and turn right to join the cycleway on the opposite side of the river. Continue towards Saint Mary MacKillop Reserve, following the course to the designated turnaround point before retracing your steps along the same path.
On the return journey, complete the Cup and Saucer Loop before continuing along the river to the Ewen Park Footbridge. From there, follow the course back towards Tasker Park to the lap turnaround point, where the next lap begins.
Runners will complete this loop three times. Please note that you will not re-enter Tasker Park until all three laps have been completed. Once your final lap is complete, follow the course back into the park and through the finish area.
The course is predominantly smooth, paved pathways, with two short single-file gravel sections adding a touch of variety. Multiple footbridge crossings throughout each lap create a flowing and engaging running experience.
With beautiful riverside scenery, varied terrain, and a fast, accessible layout, the Half Marathon offers a rewarding challenge for runners looking to take on the 21.1km distance while enjoying one of the Cooks River's most scenic routes.
Safety Reminder: Please keep to the right-hand side of the path at all times and be mindful of other runners, cyclists and path users.
Contact details
Event organiser
Major sponsor
Event supporters