The Herald-Sun / Transurban Run for the Kids is one of the great local events in Melbourne aimed at fundraising for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
The Long Course will be 14.4 km, and the Short Course will be 4.7km. The courses are nearly identical to the routes of 2025, so it’s the perfect opportunity to try to run a comparative PB time.
Herald Sun / Transurban Run For The Kids Melbourne Course Map & 2026 Dates
Tens of thousands of people participate in the event, including runners, walkers, families, kids and large corporate groups – with millions of dollars raised each year.Herald Sun/Transurban Run for the Kids is proud to have contributed more than $22 million to the Good Friday Appeal since 2006.
The event offers runners a choice of two courses. Both tracks start at Harbour Esplanade near the corner of Docklands Drive and end around the Docklands Park Precinct. Families with children are recommended to choose the shorter 4.7km course, which is designed to be much more family-friendly.
14.4km Long Course
We look forward to welcoming entrants back to our unique long-course route for the once-a-year opportunity to run or walk over the Bolte Bridge and through the Domain Tunnel.
Once again, the start line will be located on Footscray Road, Docklands. Entrants will marshal in Harbour Esplanade in their correct colour zone, and will move to the start line under the direction of the official starter.
The long course route will be 14.4 km, nearly identical to the 2024 course route.
The long course starts in Footscray Road, Docklands, with a short, flat section before climbing onto the Bolte Bridge.
Keep some energy up as you climb the bridge so you can lay down a fast time in the Bolte Bolt.
After leaving the Bolte Bridge, entrants will enjoy views of South Melbourne and the CBD as the course route takes the Westgate Freeway before entering the Domain Tunnel.
Departing the Domain Tunnel at Batman Avenue, the route continues across Swan Street Bridge, before winding its way along Linlithgow Avenue through the leafy gardens of Kings Domain. Joining the St Kilda Road service lane, entrants will head back towards the CBD, along one of Melbourne’s most famous boulevards.
Just before the Yarra River, the course descends into the Alexandra Gardens, to the riverfront, with a straight, flat section along Southbank Promenade and Crown Promenade. (Please pay particular attention to instructions from Race Marshals through this section, as there may be pedestrians and infrastructure)
After crossing Clarendon Street, the course turns right and heads up Spencer Street before turning left down Collins Street for a descent to the finish line near the corner of Batman Hill Drive.
Four aid stations on the long course are at 2.5km, 5km, 7.5km and 10.5km points.
The final course is subject to change to ensure we provide the safest environment for entrants, residents, and local businesses.
4.7km Short Course
Entrants will marshal in their start zones in Harbour Esplanade and be moved into positions near the start gantry under the directions of the official starter.
The finish line will be located adjacent to Docklands Park on Collins Street, providing a space and garden area to relax after completing your event.
After a short flat start, the course will climb southbound onto the Bolte Bridge to get the best views of Melbourne.
Leaving CityLink at Lorimer Street, the route re-enters Docklands via Charles Grimes Bridge before finishing in the Docklands Park Precinct.
One aid station is on the short course, at the 2.5km point.
If you prefer water views, Victoria Harbour will be just a short walk away; however, please exercise caution when crossing Bourke Street.
The final course is subject to change to ensure we are providing the safest possible environment for entrants, residents, and local businesses.
Getting There
With many entrants travelling to the event and numerous road closures in place to keep runners safe, we recommend that entrants plan their journey to Run for the Kids carefully to ensure a stress-free travel experience.
We encourage participants to use public transport to attend the event. The start line is an easy ten-minute walk from Southern Cross Stadium around the Marvel Stadium Concourse.
For those wishing to drive, see below for great parking deals from carparks in Docklands.
METRO TRAINS
Metro Trains are running extra services across most train lines to help entrants reach the start line on time.
Get off the train at Southern Cross Station and allow ten minutes to wander to the Race Village on Harbour Esplanade.
There are bus replacements on some lines, including Belgrave, Lilydale, and Hurstbridge and Sunbury lines. Please check ptv.vic.gov.au for more details.
VLINE TRAINS
Some Vline services will be operating as bus replacement services.
Some services from Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Tocumwal, Seymour and Shepparton are impacted, so if you are travelling from these areas by train, please check ptv.vic.gov.au for more information.
PARK AND RUN (4AM-2PM)
Please note that many roads around Docklands are closed for the run. If you are driving, ensure you allow plenty of time to arrive.
If you arrive before 7:30am, you can access parking at District Docklands.
If you are arriving after 7:30am, we recommend parking at Marvel Stadium.
PARK AND START (BEFORE 7:30AM)
The District Docklands East Car Park, located at 90 Waterfront Way, Docklands, provides a convenient parking solution for visitors. Park, run, then drop into District Docklands for a meal or hit the shops before you head home.
Secure, multi-level undercover parking, with a Tesla Australia Charging Station available on Level 1.
Please pay at the pay stations located at each entry.
TRAMS
Some tram services, especially those in Docklands, are impacted by road closures for the event. Impacted tram routes include the following lines: 11, 12, 30, 35, 48, 58, 70, 75, 86, 96 and 109
If you plan to catch a tram on any of these routes, check ptv.vic.gov.au to ensure you can reach the event.
BIKE
A great way to get to the event, and there are permanent bike racks located in and around the Race Village.
Please make sure you bring a lock and chain to secure your bike. The organisers are not responsible for bike security.
Do u have a date for the 2019 event yet. We r running the Otway Trail Run in Late March and don’t want to clash with your run again. Geoff
Hi Geoff,
The dates for the 2019 Herald Sun Citylink Run for the Kids are yet to be announced. Best to contact the organisers directly on 03 9292 2901 if you want to avoid any clashes with your own event.
Best regards,
Jess
Hi. Just wondering if a date has been confirmed for 2018? Thankyou, Katie
Hi Katie,
Dates are yet to be announced. Check back with us and I will update our page once the details are known.
Best regards,
Jess
When do the registrations for 2018 open please?
Hi Sharon,
In previous years, the registrations have opened in around January.
Best regards,
Jess
When do entries for run for kids open?
Hi John,
The event is scheduled for 9 April 2017. Entries wont open until early 2017 (Jan or Feb) – no firm date has been advised.
Check the official website here for entry details. In previous years, entrants have registered online there.
Regards,
Jess
How do I enter and when can I enter?
Hi Peter,
The event is scheduled for 9 April 2017. Entries wont open until early 2017 (Jan or Feb) – no firm date has been advised.
Check the official website here for entry details. In previous years, entrants have registered online there.
Regards,
Jess