The Island Triathlon Festival will return to Stockton in early 2026, bringing two days of racing and community spirit to the peninsula’s popular foreshore.
Set to be staged on Saturday 31 January and Sunday 1 February, the festival is expected to attract runners, triathletes and spectators from across the region.
Just a short 700-metre ferry ride away from the city, the location has been a long favourite for H Events, the local directors behind the annual program.
Race organiser Paul Humphreys said the festival’s “island” branding may raise eyebrows, but it reflects the atmosphere rather than the geography.
“We want to clarify that we know Stockton is not an island,” he stated.
“But, it looks, feels and has the temperament of a calming Island Resort.
“We love it and it seems the participants both locally and visitors also love it”.
One of the biggest changes for 2026 is the transformation of the popular Sunset Run into the new Stockton Sunrise Run, shifting the event to Saturday morning.
Runners will set off along Stockton’s flat and scenic routes, choosing from 5km, 10km or half marathon distances.
Sunday’s schedule caters to athletes of varying abilities, with Standard, Sprint and Short Course triathlons, as well as an Aquathlon for participants who prefer a win-run competition.
Organisers say the range of events is designed to make the weekend as inclusive as possible.
This year’s festival will also support Run for Rui, a fundraising initiative dedicated to research into Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia (NAIT).
The charity event is running across the weekend, giving participants and supporters an additional cause to rally behind.
With its waterfront parklands and pedestrian-friendly layout, Stockton remains an accessible and practical host location.
Attendees can reach the foreshore by car or by ferry, with special services operating from 5.15am on Sunday to accommodate early-morning arrivals.
While local accommodation is limited, organisers note central Newcastle is only minutes away for those seeking additional options.
All events will be staged from Stockton Park, located east of the ferry terminal at the corner of Mitchel Street and Wharf Crescent.
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