Lake Manchester Trails
Join TRAQ for a Family-Friendly Trail Running Adventure at Lake Manchester!
Looking for an active, fun-filled morning the whole family can enjoy? TRAQ invites you to Lake Manchester, just west of Mount Crosby, for an unforgettable trail running experience. With stunning lake views and options for all ages and abilities, it’s the perfect way to get outdoors and challenge yourself!
Choose from:
🌟 1km Kids Dash: A playful and energetic run for children under the age of 10.
🌟 5km Scenic Run or Walk: A relaxed journey along the lakeside, ideal for beginners or families.
🌟 10km Run/Jog/Walk: A slightly longer adventure for those ready to stretch their legs.
🌟 23km Trail Challenge: For seasoned runners seeking a rewarding and picturesque challenge.
Whether you’re a trail running enthusiast or simply looking to enjoy nature with your loved ones, there’s something for everyone. So, lace up your shoes, gather the family, and join us for a morning of fun, fitness, and community!
Race Photos
Photos courtesy of Joep Buijs Photography. More available on our Facebook page.
Registration
WhEN
Sunday 17 August 2025 (TBC)
Where
Lake Manchester, QLD 4306
Race Start
Entry Fees and conditions
| 1km Kids Dash (under 9) | A$10.00 |
| 1 km Junior Dash (9-12) | A$10.00 |
| 5km (over 10s) | A$45.00 |
| 10km (16 and over) | A$65.00 |
| 23km (18 and over) | A$95.00
|
| TRAQ Members | 10% discount by entering your membership number as the discount code |
Race Day
schedule
23km
05:15 – check-in open
05:50 – race briefing
06:00 – start
10km
06:00 – check-in open
06:50 – race briefing
07:00 – start
5km
06:30 – check-in open
07:20 – race briefing
07:30 – start
1km Kids Dash & Junior Dash
08:20 – race briefing
08:30 – race start
Presentation times will be announced nearer race weekend
Please note: Parents and carers of minors need to attend the race briefing with the minor. Parents and carers will need to supervise the participants of the 1km run.
Hydration and Nutrition
No cups
Please note we have a no-disposable-cups policy. Bring a collapsible cup, bottle or mug.
Water stops
Hydration and Fuel on your run is important, particularly on the 23km run. There are water stops at approximately the 5km (=10km turnaround point), 7km and 11km points, making it 1 water stop for the 10km runners and 5 water stops for the 23km runners (they visit the 5km and 7km stops on the way back as well).
Pre/Post race refreshments:
We will have coffee to purchase on site early before the races start, and also for when you finish.
A free sausage & coffee is on offer to entrants after they have finished their race. There will also be soft drinks available for runners and fruit, water and electrtolyte will be available at the finish line.
Please remember to bring a keepcup for your free coffee and a reusable/collapsible cup for soft drink as we have a no disposable cup policy at our events.
Getting there
From Brisbane take the Western Freeway from Mt Cootha, turn off onto Moggill Road then Mount Crosby Road, continuing to the t-intersection with Lake Manchester Road. Turn right onto Lake Manchester Road for 10km.
Entrance and parking is 300m past the Lake Manchester Reserve entrance.
Drive time to allow for: 35 – 40 minutes from Mt Cootha / Western Freeway in light traffic. Allow time for registration (pick up bib 30 minutes before the start of your race), race number collection and getting ready).
Race Start
Course Details
course map (5/10/23km)
Click on the map image to zoom in onscreen.
Download the hi-res course map
This map is also available for free in the Avenza smartphone app. Search for ‘Lake Manchester’ in the map store.
The map is adapted from “Where to Mountain Bike in SE Queensland” available at www.organisedgrime.com.au and Walkabout Creek centre.
23km
Cut-off time: 4 hours
Strava map: https://www.strava.com/activities/683199606
From the reserve, up past the dam and alongside left/west side of lake. Clockwise around the loop at far end of lake including four river crossings, then return back up the western shore of lake again to the start/finish.
10km
Strava map: https://www.strava.com/activities/373059620
Follow the 23km course until the log cabin, then turn around.
5km
Head up past the dam from the reserve, along west side of lake and turn right onto grassed track around headland. Rejoin the main track and turn left and return on same route.
1km KIDS DASH
The 1km course is a surprise and will be revealed during the race briefing on the day and/or via email to entrants in the lead up to the event. All kids get a medal, however there are no overall places or times recorded for these events.
Checkpoints / marshals
CP1 – 5km – water
Log cabin – 10km turnaround
CP2 – 7km – water
Start of loop
CP3 – 11km – water and food
Intersection of Creek Rd and Light Line Rd
CP2 15km – water
7km checkpoint revisited
CP1 – 17km – water
5km checkpoint revisited
To reduce rubbish, please bring your own reusable water container or collapsile cup to fill up on the course and at the finish line. There are no disposable cups on the course or at the finish line.
Also, there are some food / fuel supplies at the 11km checkpoint, but this is limited. For both hydration and fuel, know what you need, take along what you need and top water up along the course.
A paramedic will be on site during the event. First aid kits are available at the start / finish line, the half way checkpoint and the sweepers carry one too There will be a self help first aid kit at the 7km water stop. If you need help on the course speak to the marshals at drink stops. Transport back to the start can be arranged if needed.
General Information and Contacts
Pets prohibited: No dogs or other domestic animals are allowed on the course or grounds surrounding the start and finish lines so please don’t bring them, as you will be asked to leave.
Be sunsmart: Tree cover provides a reasonable amount of shade over much of the course but it is likely to be sunny, so be sunsmart and bring a cap and sunscreen.
Further information will be sent out a few days before the event date with the latest updates. So, please look in your emails (including spam boxes etc) around that time.
TBA, Lake Manchester Trails Race Director
Please email me for further race enquiries: events@traq.org.au