Mackay gears up for biggest BMA River 2 Reef Ride yet as registrations surge 20%

Mackay is preparing to welcome its biggest BMA River 2 Reef Ride Festival yet this weekend, with registrations up 20% on last year and the 25km Queensland Country Health Fund Dash already sold out.

The 2026 festival will be held over two days at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, with the Golding Kids Colour Ride on Saturday 15 August and the BMA River 2 Reef Ride – offering 25km, 60km and 100km distances – on Sunday 16 August.

This year's festival is being delivered as a true community event, with 13 local community group partners and their volunteers set to bring extra vibes to the course through marshalling, rest stops, cheer squads and entertainment. New initiatives for 2026 include a free sausage sizzle for young riders at the Golding Kids Colour Ride courtesy of Mackay City Central Scout Group, a finish line pit stop hosted by Pioneer Swimming Club, and the Triple M team on the microphone helping riders celebrate as they cross the finish line.

Nikki Giles, BMA River 2 Reef Ride Event Director, said the response from the Mackay community ahead of this year's event had been phenomenal.

“The support for this year's ride has been phenomenal, and selling out our 25km Queensland Country Health Fund Dash for the first time shows just how much this event means to our region,” said Nikki.

“Our 13 community group partners and their members will be bringing extra energy to every corner of the course this year, and we know our riders will be cheered from start to finish. This truly is a community event, and we can't wait for Mackay to come out and show its support on Sunday.”

Ms Giles said organisers were incredibly grateful to everyone helping bring the 2026 festival to life.

“We are so grateful to all of our event sponsors, volunteers and community groups for supporting an event that supports the Mackay region,” said Nikki. “We can't wait to see everyone out on course this weekend.”

For more information on the festival, visit https://www.river2reefride.com.au/