MORE than 15 local charities will benefit from the $101,000 raised through the 2026 C.ex Group Coffs Harbour Running Festival, organised by the Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour.
This is the largest result for the Festival since it began in 2011.
“The funds will be distributed through the Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour to the local charities and community organisations, many of which helped deliver the event through water stations, course marshalling, registration and other volunteer roles,” Event Director, on behalf of Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour, Keelan Birch told News Of The Area.
Beneficiaries will include Life Education, Early Connections Coffs Coast, Mid North Coast Disabled Surfers Association, Coffs Coast Autism, Coffs Harbour Scouts, North Coast Special Olympics, Lifeline North Coast, Westpac Rescue Helicopter, PCYC Coffs Harbour, CanDo Cancer Trust, the Coffs Coast Children’s Ward, Health Voyage and the Bongil Bongil Youth Collective.
Funds will also support Rotary’s broader local community initiatives.
The Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour held a Charity Night on Wednesday, 2 September at C.ex Coffs to thank all involved in the success of the event.
“It went really well, bringing together representatives from the organisations involved and giving us an opportunity to recognise their contribution, celebrate the success of the Festival and explain the impact the money will have locally,” Mr Birch said.
The result is particularly special, Mr Birch said, because the Festival attracted 2,946 registered participants and 2,518 finishers this year.
“As the event grows, its community impact is growing with it,” he said.
A Rotary Club of Coffs Harbour spokesperson said, “What many people don’t see is the year-long preparation and hundreds of hours spent coordinating everything behind the scenes.
“From planning and logistics to working with volunteers, partners, sponsors, charities and the wider Coffs community, Keelan’s commitment and work has brought this fantastic event to life.”
Keelan Birch is Coffs Harbour Citizen of the Year 2026.
By Andrea FERRARI
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