Swan River Half Marathon and Fun Run 2026

The 7th Annual Swan River Half Marathon and Fun Run is a community-focused athletic event held along the banks of the Swan River in South Perth, Western Australia. Scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, the race begins and ends at Sir James Mitchell Park. The event is organized by Soul Runners and serves as a significant fundraiser for Under His Wings: Christian Outreach Centre. Known for its scenic course that takes runners over and along the water, the event maintains a family-friendly atmosphere with a strict three-hour cut-off for all distances.

The 2026 edition features three primary distances, with the 10km category already reaching full capacity as of April 3, 2026. The race briefing is held at 7:15 AM, with staggered start times to manage the flow of participants across the park and river bridges.

South Perth is a prestigious riverside suburb with a population of approximately 13,000 residents. It is characterized by its high standard of living and proximity to the Perth Central Business District. The Sir James Mitchell Park, where the race is hosted, is a massive 65-hectare green space that is central to the area's recreation and outdoor lifestyle. Demographically, South Perth is home to a professional population with a median weekly household income of approximately A$2,200, which is significantly higher than the state average for Western Australia.

The local culture is deeply connected to the Swan River (Derbal Yerrigan), which holds immense historical and spiritual significance for the Noongar people, the traditional custodians of the land. For the community, the Swan River Half is an opportunity to showcase the natural beauty of the South Perth Foreshore while supporting local outreach initiatives like Under His Wings. The charitable focus on community support and christian outreach aligns with the suburb's strong tradition of philanthropy and social cohesion. On race morning, the sight of hundreds of runners crossing the Narrows Bridge or the Causeway serves as a vibrant display of the city's active lifestyle and community spirit.

For the athletes, the event provides a professional timing service and a scenic route with on-course presentations held throughout the morning. Due to the popular nature of the course, participants are encouraged to manage self-organized transfers via their registration portal, as the organization maintains a no-refund policy. The event attracts a mix of competitive club runners from across Western Australia and families taking advantage of the discounted rates for children under 12.

The social impact is driven by Soul Runners, who emphasize the "soul" of the run through charitable giving and inclusive participation. By May 2nd, the park will be filled with supporters and volunteers from the Christian Outreach Centre, ensuring the event’s success both on the timing mat and in its fundraising goals. The collective effort of the runners directly supports the Under His Wings mission, providing vital assistance to community members in need throughout the Perth metropolitan area.