The Macleay River Running Festival in Kempsey, New South Wales, offers an adrenaline-tinged invitation to test endurance and immerse yourself in an environment that’s as much a challenge as a playground. The festival draws participants of varying experience levels to race along the Macleay River’s twisting currents and rugged riverbanks, where water pulses with intention, daring runners to match its pace and persistence.

Traversing distances that range from 10km sprints to over 42km ultra runs, each course demands respect for the changing terrain and river-fed weather conditions. Expect a mix of river trails, forested banks draped in eucalyptus and wattle, loose rock sections, and muddy patches molded by the river’s moods. Some trails climb modestly, with elevation gains up to 200 meters, activating leg strength while offering bursts of sweeping views across the valley below.

The air is earthy, thick with the scent of damp leaves and the occasional hint of salt from the nearby coast. Trees shift in the breeze, their branches nudging sky and ground into a gentle dance. The river itself is a living entity—sometimes protruding cool arms over the banks, at other times retreating to let roots and rocks pace the shoreline like silent spectators.

For anyone planning to join, hydration is non-negotiable. The humid subtropical climate means your body will ask—often— for water and electrolytes. Lace up with trail runners featuring solid grip; the variable terrain punishes the unprepared with slips and sore knees. Early morning starts are your best bet, as river mists soften the sun’s glare and the temperature remains friendlier.

Beyond competition, the festival is a celebration of local culture and community. From the volunteer marshals guiding runners through tricky stretches to market stalls offering fresh produce and handcrafted goods, Kempsey offers a grounded, welcoming vibe that balances the intensity of the races. Finding lodging nearby in Kempsey or South Kempsey ensures easy access to start lines and recovery zones.

Ultimately, the Macleay River Running Festival is an invitation to move with a river that refuses to stop flowing—a force both patient and persistent. Whether you are chasing a personal best or simply soaking in the fresh air, each step is a conversation with a landscape fiercely itself. Every bend in the riverway urges progress, every rooted tree waits expectant. For those ready to accept the challenge, the Macleay calls.