Herald Sun / Transurban Run For The Kids

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.

Participants can choose to walk or run the 15km long course or opt for the shorter 5.2km course. This popular event requires participants to pay entry fees, with a significant portion of the money raised donated to the Appeal.

Herald Sun Run For The Kids Melbourne Course Map & 2024 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.

The event provides runners with a choice of two courses, with both tracks starting at Harbour Esplanade near the corner of LaTrobe Street and ending around the Docklands Park Precinct. Families and kids are recommended to choose the shorter 5.2km course, designed to be much more family-friendly.

The other course is around 15kms and runs along the West Gate Freeway, heading over the Bolte Bridge. The course continues along the Westgate Freeway before entering the Domain Tunnel to Batman Avenue, then continuing across the Swan Street Bridge, along Linlithgow Avenue through the leafy gardens of Kings Domain and then 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, the course descends into the Alexandra Gardens, to the riverfront and along the Southbank Promenade and Crown Promenade. Crossing Clarendon Street, the course follows the Yarra, along South Wharf Promenade, before crossing Seafarers Bridge to the Northside of the river. Jim Stynes Bridge will lead long course entrants through a beautiful, slightly narrower section to a finish adjacent to Docklands Park.

There are five water stations on the 12.8km course and one on the 5.2km course. Water is also available at the start and finish. Toilets are located at the 3km, 6km, 9km and 12km water stations of the long course and the 2.5km water station of the short course.

Dogs are not permitted to run in the race with participants. Prams are permitted, but for safety reasons will be required to start at the rear of the race.

At the end of the race, head to the event village for all participants and supporters to enjoy after the completion of the run. Activities here include a recovery zone to re-hydrate, refuel, and stretch outweary muscles on foam rollers and mats. The main stage is also with live entertainment and prize giveaways, including a Mazda vehicle to one lucky winner.

Combined with kid’s activities, food outlets, a host of sponsor activities and giveaways, plus event merchandise, there is plenty of reason to stay around after your run, enjoy the carnival atmosphere, and celebrate your outstanding achievement.