FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum age to participate?
Runners in the 12k must be at least 12 years old on race day, unless accompanied by an adult.
What are the course cutoff times?
The 12K has a 2 hour cutoff (10 mins per km) and the 5K has a 1 hour cutoff (12 mins per km)
Is the course suitable for wheelchairs or prams?
Our 12K is run over a mixture of sealed & gravel roads and beach. The surfaces are mostly fine, including the hard-packed beach sections, but there are some short sections of soft sand. The 12K course requires participants to traverse a pebble bank to access the beach at the end of Button Road (~11K). If you are considering running the course with a wheel chair or pram, we recommend that you check out the course in person to assess suitability yourself before registering.
The 5K and Kids’ Beach Dash are both run on the beach, which is mostly hard-packed sand with a section of softer sand as you come off the beach and into the finish chute.
Can I walk?
You can run, jog or walk any of the distances as long as you can finish within the designated cutoff time – see above.
Can I run with my child in the Kids' Beach Bolt?
Of course! Parents or older siblings are welcome to run with & encourage their little ones.
There is no need for buddy runners to register – it’s all for fun 🙂
Can I run with my dog?
Yes, you can run with your dog in the 12K, 5K or Kids Beach Bolt. Your dog must be kept on a lead and cleaned up afetr at all times. Please position yourself appropriately at the race start to ensure that you do not impede other runners.
Why do I have to pay extra for a medal (and engraving)?
We understand that some runners treasure their finisher medals whilst others prefer to keep entry fees to a minimum. Medals and engraving are an optional purchase at Great Southern Runs events to give every runner the choice.
Can I transfer to a different distance after I have entered?
Of course. If you wish to change race distance after you have registered, simply email your request to hello@greatsouthernruns.com or see us in person at the bib collection on race morning.
If you transfer to a longer distance event you will be required to pay the additional entry fee applicable at the time of transfer.
If you transfer to a shorter distance event more than 4 weeks before race day you will receive a refund of the difference between your original entry fee and the entry fee for your new distance at the time of transfer.
If you transfer to a shorter distance event within 4 weeks of race day the difference in entry fees will not be refunded.
Can I transfer my entry to another runner?
No – transfers are not permitted as all runners are required to complete their details (including emergency contact info) and accept the event participation waiver through our online registration system.
If you are unable to participate you can request a refund up to 4 weeks before race (or up to 1 week before race day if you purchased Diamond Cover with your race entry). Click here to view our full refund policy.
What is your refund policy?
Basic refund insurance is included with all race entries, allowing you to receive a refund of race entry & extras (less a $12 admin fee) up to 4 weeks before race day for any reason – no questions asked.
After this time, all income is committed to delivering the event and refunds/credits are not available unless you have taken out Diamond Cover Insurance. Click here to view our full refund policy.
What is Diamond Cover?
Diamond Cover is an additional insurance option to give you greater protection should you need to withdraw from an event with less than 4 weeks to go until race day. For a small premium, you will be eligible for a full refund up to one week before race day with no further admin fees. Click here for more information.
When will my race pack be posted?
If you selected the postage option, your race pack (containing your bib and any merch you bought) will be posted to you approximately 3 weeks prior to race day to allow plenty of time for delivery.
What happens if I don't receive my race bib in the post?
If you selected the postage option and your race pack does not arrive before race day we can easily issue a replacement for you. Come and see our team at bib collection on race morning and they will look after you.
When can I collect my race pack from The Running Company?
If you selected The Running Company pick up option, your race pack (containing your bib and any merch you bought) will ready for you to collect from Saturday 15 to Friday 28 February 2025.
The Running Company – 278 Unley Road, Hyde Park, Adelaide
The Running Company – 39 Beach Road, Christies Beach
If you do not pick up your race pack from The Running Company by Friday 16 August it will be available to pick up on race morning instead.
Race packs will not be available to collect from The Running Company on Saturday 1 March.
How do I update my registration details (email, emergency contact, etc.) ?
Click here or use the link at the top of your registration confirmation email to update your details by the Thursday before race day.
Can I register for the race after online registration has closed?
Last minute registrations will be accepted at bib collection on race morning.
I’ve already registered to run. How can I buy a medal, bus ticket or singlet?
You can access your registration information and add a medal, bus ticket or singlet to your order (subject to availability).
Click here or use the link at the top of your registration confirmation email.
Can I register on race day?
Race entries to the 12K is not available on race day. Online registrations close at 6:00 am on Friday 28 February 2025.
Entries to the 5K and Kids’ Beach Bolt will be accepted on race morning at bib collection at the Aldinga Bay Surf Life Saving Club.
Is there a bag drop?
Bag trucks will take your bags from the 12K start line in Myponga to the finish area at the Aldinga Bay Surf Life Saving Club.
There will be an allocated bag drop area near the finish line for 5K runners.
PROPERTY IS LEFT IN THE BAG DROP AREA AT OWNER’S RISK so please leave any valuable items locked safely in your car or with your supporters.
How much do we run on the beach?
Don’t be concerned about running on the sand. Cars are permitted on Silver Sands Beach – it is hard-packed sand and is very runable, plus the tide will be out! Click on the event links to view maps and full course descriptions.
What are the tide times for race day?
Low tide is expected at 12:45 pm on race day so you will have a beautiful, wide beach with hard-packed, runable sand for your race. High tides will be at 6:27 am and 6:52 pm.
Can I wear headphones during the race?
Wearing of headphones is discouraged. Enjoy the serenity of the course, the crashing of waves on Silver Sands beach or conversation with your fellow competitors. If you do choose to wear headphones, please have your music at a low volume or use just one earpiece so that you can still hear traffic and safety instructions from our course marshals.
Where will I find my race result?
A link to results can be found at https://greatsouthernbolt.com.au/results/ for you and your supporters to check your race result as soon as you cross the finish line.
Any timing discrepancies should be emailed to timing@eventstrategies.com.au immediately. Results will be made final on Wednesday after race day.
How does the electronic timing work?
Electronic transponder timing services will be provided by Event Strategies to ensure accurate and quick publishing of race results.
- You will be allocated a race number bib and it has an electronic timing tag on the back linked to you and the race you have entered.
- Before you start you must notify Timing Officials if any of your entry information needs changing e.g. you are changing race distance.
- Do not use someone else’s number bib as this will produce false results for everyone.
- Attach the bib at waist height to the outside front of whatever top you will be wearing. Do not bend or fold the tag or tamper with it.
- Your time and number will be recorded when you pass a timing point provided your race number bib is visible. Covering it with clothing or your hands as you operate a watch will prevent it recording.
- Ensure you start at the correct time for our race distance.
- Race bibs are your keepsake of the Great Southern Bolt & do not need to be returned.
- If you cut the course short (for example by skipping a lap, or taking a shortcut), do not pass through the finish timing point as we may inadvertently think you have won the race. Please notify Timing Officials if this occurs.
- If you lose your race number bib during the race you must notify Timing Officials as soon as you cross the finish timing point.
- Please notify Timing Officials if you pull out of your race before finishing