Council backs 2026 Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Running Festival with $40,000 sponsorship

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has approved a $40,000 sponsorship to support the staging of the 2026 Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Running Festival, set for Sunday, May 3, 2026.

The funding was endorsed at Council's October Ordinary Meeting following an application from event organisers, Gold Coast Events Management Ltd (Events Management Queensland, EMQ).

Under the agreement, Council will be the naming rights sponsor of the Visit Toowoomba Region 10km race, one of several events to feature at the festival.

TRC Community Development, Facilities and Tourism portfolio spokesperson Cr James O'Shea said the success of this year's marathon demonstrated the growing appeal of the event and its benefits to the local economy.

"The 2025 Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon attracted more than 2800 participants and generated an estimated $1.3 million in economic activity for local businesses," Cr O'Shea said.
"With strong growth projections, organisers expect the 2026 festival to draw more than 3400 competitors and 4000 visitors, delivering around $1.6 million in economic returns to our region."

Event growth and impact

• Around half of the 2025 participants came from outside the Toowoomba Region, accompanied by almost 3400 spectators.
• The event produced more than 5800 visitor nights locally, according to EMQ's Event Outcome Report.
• Participation in the half marathon increased by over 41% from 2024 to 2025, while entries in the Visit Toowoomba Region 10km rose by 29% over the same period.

Gold Coast Events Management Ltd, organisers of major national events such as the ASICS Gold Coast Marathon, Pan Pacific Masters Games, and Gold Coast T100 Triathlon, will again oversee the Toowoomba event.

Cr O'Shea said Council's ongoing support reflects its commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles, community participation, and economic growth through major regional events.