ZACH MACH River Run

Event #2 of our 5 part off the beaten track Trail Run Series.

REGISTER NOW

Prepare to get off the beaten track, off-road and on uneven ground alongside the ZACH MACH Adventure Challenge racers. This course is guaranteed to get you panting as you cross rivers, run along cane paddocks and through rainforest canopy. 

Date: Saturday 9 May 2026

Distances^: 5km and 12km

Race Check in: 10am

Race Briefing: 10.20am

Race Start: 10.30am

Registration Fees: Starting from $19.95*

Registration fees include: Athlete photos and insurance.

Address: Finch Hatton RSL, Anzac Parade, Finch Hatton

About the Distances:

Short Course: A fun 5km run that includes crossing Cattle Creek, running through rainforest and along cane paddocks. 2.5km out and back.

Long Course: This 12km course has a little bit of everything for the adventurer. Starting and finishing from ZACH MACH HQ. Expect scenic rainforest, a bit of mud, water, sand and rocks. Prepare to get wet… really wet, the creek crossings can be deep! Our new Trail Run is privately owned land and crosses 5 local farms^.

^Access to the course is prohibited outside of the ZACH MACH Adventure Race. The trail run course is held on private property. We have exclusive access once a year to deliver this trail running experience thanks to our local Finch Hatton property owners.

*Note: Entry fee prices are dependent on course length and are subject to price increases. Early bird ends 28 February 2026. Late fees start on 3 May 2026.

COMPETITOR INFORMATION

  • 10.00am Sign in and race bib collection starts from ZACH MACH HQ located opposite the FINISH/START Line at Finch Hatton RSL. Race course briefing will be held 5-10min prior to race start.

    10.30am Race Start

    The race start is self seeded and we advise the faster runners to position themselves at the front and slower runners at the back. This will help to prevent bottlenecks along the trail and faster runners becoming stuck behind slower runners.

  • Please see below for the mandatory gear requirements for the 10km run.

    Mandatory gear must be carried for the duration of the run, event officials reserve the right to refuse a participant to start the race if they do not comply with mandatory gear requirements.

    We have marshals on the course and a safety vehicle with additional first aid.

    • 2 x snake bandages

    • a fully charged phone (there is limited service along the course) Please download the free EMERGENCY+ app on your phone prior to the event + waterproof bag to store it in

    • Race plate with timing chip displayed

    • Nutrition and hydration

  • Athletes are responsible for their own nutrition and fuelling. There will be 2 x water and lolly stations on course (2.5km and 8km).

  • We encourage you to support the local businesses in the area.

    Water will be available at the finish line.

  • The trails include sections of challenging and remote single track, be sure to exercise caution on these sections. 

    If you DO NOT FINISH the race you must see an event official. If you do not report to an event official and a search party is sent out, this will be at the competitor’s cost. It may be hot so please take precautions to stay safe in the heat.

  • Toilets are available at the START/FINISH Line.  

    Please ensure you do not litter along the course and respect the reserve. 

  • Top 3 Male & Female for each distance are awarded at presentation

    Top 3 junior boys and girls (short distance only) are awarded at presentation

  • Long course:

    1st $50

    2nd $40

    3rd $30

    Short Course:

    1st $40

    2nd $30

    3rd $20

  • Presentation will be held as soon as the Top 3 runners have finished.

    Prizes will be given to the top 3 runners on the day

RACE RULES

  • In order for our events to run as smoothly as possible we ask all athletes to cooperate and stick to our rules and regulations:

    1. No rego, No run! – Please respect our event, we have permissions from landowners, local and state authorities and have insurances to cover our athletes.  Please do not jeopardise our licences and insurances by running without a registration.  

    2. Race bib – Please make sure you retain your race bib for the entire series. Race bib must be worn on the front of your body, this ensures correct detection of your timing chip by the electronic timing system. The timing chip can not be worn on your wrist or carried in your back pack, this might cause the timing chip to not be picked up by the antenna at the finish line.  

    3. No shortcuts – please stick to the marked track, for safety and fairness reasons. All courses are clearly marked and we have marshals out on the course.

    4. Fitness level – please choose the right distance according to your fitness level! This event is not designed to be walked, especially the 14km & 24km event (accept a little bit of the uphill). Event officials reserve the right to pull competitors out of the race if they are concerned for their well-being.

    5. Obey traffic regulations unless otherwise instructed by an event official

    6. Treat other competitors, officials, volunteers and spectators with respect and courtesy

    7. Dress Code – please wear appropriate clothing and suitable running shoes

    • Be mindful that the trails are open for other users outside of the race, including 4WDs, Motor bikes and MTBs

    • Do not leave any rubbish behind, this is a State Forest and Private Lease Area. What you bring in you must take out

    • Keep left and give way to runners passing from behind

    • Don’t approach any wildlife you may come across on the trails, there is scrub cattle in the area

  • If you are unable to attend the event, you have the following options:

    • Registrations are non-transferable 14 days prior to the event;

    • Transfers & Changes: Allowed up to 14 days prior to the event with a $20.00 administration fee;

    • Refunds are not available for this event.

    All notifications should be sent in writing to info@tri-activ8.com.au.

    We reserve the right to modify the course without notice, as well as reschedule or cancel the event in consultation with emergency services, government agencies, and event stakeholders.

    If the event must be rescheduled, all entries will automatically carry over to the new date. In the rare event that the event is cancelled and cannot be rescheduled, registered participants will receive a credit for a future event, valid for 12 months. Please note that refunds will not be available in this situation.

SERIES POINTS

  • Points accumulate across the series and include all 5 events:

    1. New Moon Ultra

    2. ZACH MACH - The River Run

    3. Eungella - Rainforest Run

    4. Finch Hatton - Flowing Trails

    5. Captains Crossing - The Gong

  • Age groups are as follows (as of your age on 31 December 2026): 

    • Under 16 years

    • 16 to 29 years

    • 30 to 39 years

    • 40 to 49 years

    • 50 to 59 years 

    • 60+

  • oints are awarded based on the following criteria: 

    1. Athletes receive points for each run.  Your total score is the sum of all your attended (and finished) races listed above. 

    2. The winner of each age category will receive 25 points.  Each place will receive 2 less points (ie. 2nd place 23 points, 3rd place 21 points etc.).  

    3. Points are calculated separately for men and women 

REGISTER NOW