YMCA of Canberra Half Marathon, incorporating the 49th Rex Foulkes Memorial Race, will be held on Sunday 27 May 2018. The race start time is 8.00 am from the race Headquarters at Lennox Gardens, Flynn Drive, Yarralumla (opposite the Hyatt Hotel). This race has been a major annual event in the calendars of club members, and local and interstate runners and this tradition continues. Saturday 26 May offers social runners and families a chance to complete in shorter runs including a 1.6 km Mini Jog and a 5 km Fun run.
About the Half Marathon Rex Foulkes, in whose memory this event is named, was a local distance runner who died in a road accident while returning to Cooma from Canberra after a race in 1970. The first Rex Foulkes Marathon was held on 13 September 1970 and had just 24 finishers. In 2017 there were 326 entrants. This race is a YMCA of Canberra Runners Club (YCRC) members senior distance runner of the Year point score event. This event is for both competitive athletes and social runners. Entry is only available for those over the age of 16. Those who expect to take more than three hours are asked to contact the organisers to arrange an early start. There are prizes for the first three males and female, as well as for age group winners (see below). All finishers will receive a medal, and there are plenty of barrels draws. What to know what time to beat? Last years result is here.
Registration now open, please click on the below link 
Prices and dates
Early bird: Closes 30 April 2018
Member: $40
Non-Member: $60
Standard: Closes 25 May 2018
Member: $60
Non-Member: $80
Early Bird entries will also go into a draw for Mizuno vouchers. Entries will be taken at Lennox Gardens from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm on Saturday 26 May - cash or credit card only.
There will be no entries taken on Sunday 27 May. Refund will not be made except in exceptional circumstances. In all instances, an administrative fee will apply. See our membership page for details of other benefits from annual membership - a bargain at only $50 for adults and $80 for the whole family.
Bib collection is available from 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm on Saturday 26 May alternatively from 7.00 am Sunday 27 May from the race start and finish area at Lennox Gardens. Race bibs are to be worn on the front of the upper body. The Half Marathon is electronically timed, and the timing transponder is attached tot he race of the race bib, it is therefore essential that runners do not cover or damage the race bib. Want to see if your friends have entered yet? The list of participants is here.
The Course
The course is a scenic loop around the West Basin of Lake Burley Griffen. The first 3 km are open on the road, and then it moves to the well-maintained bike path as the edge of the lake. Drink stations will be situated approximately every 4 km. They will serve sports drinks and water in that order. A drink station will also be at the finish. There are also toilets at 1 km, 4 km, 6 km (this requires leaving the course slightly), 13 km, 16 km and 19 km, as well as the start/finish area. Sports Medicine Australia (ACT Branch) will provide first aid, they will be stationed at the start/finish and provide mobile (bicycle sports trainers) around the course. Photographs will be taken around the course so remember to keep smiling! Runners will be able to access these photographs for free, a link will be distributed after the events. There are good spectator vantage points at many locations including Weston Park (4 km to 7 km), Barranjoey Drive (12 km) and Black Mountain Peninsula (14.5 km to 16.5 km). 
After the Race
Tea, coffee, biscuits and fruit will be available to all runners. These facilities are for runners only. Presentations will commence at 10.30 am as follows:
At the conclusion of the presentations, there will be barrel draws where all finishers have their chance to win a prize. Runners must be present to win these prizes.
Saturday Fun Runs
There is 1.6 km and 5 km Fun Runs on Saturday 26 may, both of which are run on bike paths, with a short section of grass. The 1.6 km run for kids will start at 1.30 pm, and all junior finishers will receive a medal. The 5 km event (map below) will begin at 2.00 pm. This race is a YCRC Junior Distance Runners of the Year point score event. Both events are free for YCRC members. The entry for non-members is $10 for adults and $5 for U18s. Entries are only available on the day. 
General Information
For safety reasons, no roller blades, skateboards, accompanying cyclists or dogs are permitted. Prams are allowed in all events, but please start at the back of the field. Note that bike paths are open to the public so please respect other users.
Toilets
Portable toilets will be available near the start/finish. Runners can also jog to Lotus Bay and use the Public Toilets there or those at the Canberra Yacht Club. Please be aware that the two automated Public Toilets at Lennox Gardens should be avoided as they are unreliable and become blocked quickly.
Parking
On Sunday morning do not park on the lake (western) side of Flynn Drive, as this is part of the course. Similarly, you are requested not park on Alexandrina Drive between its junction with Flynn Drive and the top entrance to Mariner Place. There will be ample parking in the Kaye Street area, along with the Treasury car park on the other side of Commonwealth Avenue (use the pedestrian underpass to cross to the start) or in the Lotus Bay area. If you park in the Lotus Bay area, particularly on the beach or Lakeside, please ensure that you do not block the boat ramp access.
Weather
In May the weather can be very cool and with a light frost. It then normally brightens up to a clam, sunny day sunny day with the temperature in the high teens. No guarantees, but usually ideal for running!
Spectator Refreshments
A coffee cart will be available where friends and family can purchase tea, coffee, hot chocolate, etc.
Accommodation and Tourist Information
Operated by YMCA Canberra, Leaumeah Lodge is located conveniently just off the Barton Highway as you enter the ACT. Leaumeah Lodge is walking distance to plenty of cafes, local shops and family attractions. Leumeah is an ideal spot for families and a great alternative to staying in the busy city. Ensure to mention the Half Marathon for a 15% discount on accommodation and a complimentary late checkout. Hurry limited rooms available!
For bookings contact us on:
Phone (02) 6152 8388
Email: reservations.canberra@ymca.org.au
Alternatively, there is a range of accommodation in the Canberra region which is close to the course. Runners and families can check and book accommodation through the VisitCanberra. The National Capital is a great place to spend a few days or more. Late autumn and winter is a great time to visit. Sites that are of interest and are central to the race start/finish areas include; Cockington green, the Australian War Memorial, National Museum of Australia and Questacon.
Contact us If you have any questions about these events, please message the Runner's Club on this link or alternatively you can email the club on this link.
