Perfect day out for record smashing Somerset Rail Trail Classic
Published on 12 July 2026
A record-breaking 660 participants took off at the 8km starting line in Lowood for the 23rd annual Somerset Rail Trail Classic.
RECORD breaking numbers of runners, walkers and cyclists hit the trail on Sunday, 12 July for the 23rd annual Somerset Rail Trail Classic.
Participants from across Queensland and interstate ventured to Somerset for a perfect Sunday morning, taking their place at starting points in Esk, Coominya, Lowood and Vernor.
The Somerset Regional Council event showcased the best of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail with all courses crossing the finish line at the Fernvale Sports Park, where the post-event, family friendly festivities continued.
Somerset Councillor Brett Freese was proud to report the 2026 event smashed the previous record, set in 2025.
“This year we had 1,242 registrants, up 21% from last year,” Cr Freese said.
“Participation was up across the board, with 23% more runners and walkers taking on the 3km and 8km challenges, and 17% more cyclists on the 20km and 44km challenges.
“This is a significant increase and we’re excited to see so many new entrants and past participants returning to this signature event on the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.
“It’s an achievement to complete any of these challenges and every single participant should be proud of themselves.”
Lyndon Kendrick was the first 44km cyclist to cross the finish line with a time of 1:26:49.
For every registration, Council is donating $2 to be split between the Brisbane Valley Rattlers AFC, Somerset Storm Netball Club and Thunder Cricket Club.
“That’s more than $2,400 which is going right back into the community, supporting active and healthy lifestyles in our community and the pursuits of our aspiring athletes,” Cr Freese said.
In 2026, Council introduced the Team Championship, with more than 30 teams registering and the Tarampa Trailblazers having the largest team of 24 people.
Boldstone took out the Team Championship, followed by CPM and Brisbane Valley Soccer Club.
Open category male medallists for the 8km run were Ory Tattam (28:22), Joshua Lehmann (28:58) and Aaron Martin (29:42).
Open category female medallists for the 8km run were Gabrielle Schmidt (27:45), Brielle Erbacher (28:33), and Lauren Brown (32:21).
Member for Lockyer Jim McDonald, Somerset Mayor Jason Wendt, 8km gold medallists Ory Tattam and Gabrielle Schmidt, and Kerry and Anthony de Ruiter from A&M Civil Construction, Platinum Sponsors for the 2026 Somerset Rail Trail Classic.
Cr Freese said the Somerset Rail Trail Classic was a fantastic boost for the region’s economy, with thousands of participants and families visiting Somerset towns.
“Events like this support local businesses while raising Somerset and the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail’s tourism profile,” Cr Freese said.
Cr Freese thanked the event’s Platinum Sponsor, A&M Civil Contracting, for supporting the Classic once again.
“Their ongoing support for the Somerset Rail Trail Classic has allowed us to deliver a bigger and better event every year,” Cr Freese said.
Council thanks its Gold Sponsors: Bellwether Contractors, Boldstone, CleanCo Queensland, CPM Advisory & Project Management and River 94.9.
Council also thanks its Silver Sponsors: The Austrans Group Qld, Daniel Banditt Constructions, Georgia Greet – Acutt & Greet, Holding Redlich, Irrigear Lowood, Kilcoy Butchery, ONF Surveyors, Pacific Fuel Solutions, Silverstrand Developments and Urban Utilities.
“We’re also so grateful for the many volunteers who helped deliver another successful event,” Cr Freese said.
For event results and professional photo purchases visit: somersetrailtrailclassic.com.au
Christian Rusomeka at the finish line in Fernvale.
Tribal Experiences Australia gave the Welcome to Country at Fernvale Sports Park.
Murdo Smith tackling the climbing wall at the post-event festival.