New chapter, same origins.

Stromlo Running Festival enters new ownership, with Race Hub Australia to lead next chapter

Stromlo Running Festival (SRF) is entering a new chapter, with its origins, values, and community focus remaining firmly unchanged. Race Hub Australia has now come on board as the festival’s owner-directors, with ownership transferring immediately. The outgoing ownership team, co-founder Robert de Castella, Mel and Steve Bingley, remain closely involved and will continue providing support to ensure a smooth transition and the continued success of SRF.

Together, the team remains committed to what matters most: the community behind SRF and the values it stands for: Strength, Resilience, Courage, and Community. The festival will continue to honour its origins through its founding story post 2003 bushfires and its deep connection and support for the Indigenous Marathon Foundation (IMF).

“Stromlo Running Festival has always been so more than a running event,” Robert de Castella said. “I co-founded the event 16 years ago as a way to recognise community, strength, resilience and health, after the devastating Canberra fires of 2003. Like Stromlo Forest Park, where it is held, it has become a legacy project of those fires, and I am thrilled to see how the community have embraced it. It is a running festival with a message, and I’m pleased to see the festival moving forward with a clear commitment to protecting its origins, its values, and the spirit that has defined it from the beginning. It is also an important event for my Indigenous Marathon Foundation, as each year we hold our National remote communities running championships and bring in hundreds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children to experience SRF and Canberra”

While Mel and Steve Bingley have stepped away as co-owners, they are not stepping away from the event. They remain involved in a practical way and will continue to support the festival alongside Race Hub Australia throughout this transition. Mel also remains a visible and valued part of race weekend, shifting from Race Director to a volunteer role.

Mel Bingley said the focus is on continuity and ensuring SRF continues to thrive. “This festival has been built with the support of an incredible community which we have had the privilege to work and run with. I am personally proud and humbled to have been part of the event’s legacy and look forward to seeing its next chapter unfold. Steve and I remain committed to supporting the new team and incredible group of volunteers that makes this event so special. You’ll still see me at the event, the difference is I’ll now be part of the volunteer crew, and maybe even out on course as a participant!”

Jack Green, Founder and Director at Race Hub Australia, said the priority is to protect what makes SRF special while strengthening delivery support behind the scenes. “Stromlo has a unique identity and a strong community heartbeat. Our role is to strengthen what already makes SRF great, support responsible growth, and bring additional event delivery capability so the festival continues to thrive while staying true to its trail-running roots.”

The 2026 event now proceeds under Race Hub Australia’s ownership, with the outgoing team working closely alongside the new owners to maintain consistency across event delivery, volunteer coordination, partnerships, and participant experience.

For more information contact info@stromlo.com.au

About Stromlo Running Festival
Stromlo Running Festival is Canberra’s premier trail running festival, built on values of strength, resilience, courage, and community. Founded on strong local foundations and inspired by the enduring spirit of trail running, SRF continues to bring runners, walkers, families, and volunteers together for an annual celebration on the trails of Stromlo Forest Park.

About Race Hub Australia
Race Hub Australia is an inclusive, community-focused running events brand built around making race day welcoming for everyone. Their events are designed for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities — from first-timers and families through to experienced athletes. They focus strongly on creating a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, and supportive event staff and volunteers so participants feel comfortable and confident from the moment they arrive.

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