What’s New

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.

For the first time in the event’s histroy, the Long course route in 2024 will be nearly identical to the Long course route in 2023, creating a perfect opportunity for a new R4K PB.

The startline will be located in Footscray Road. Entrants will marshal in Harbour Esplanade in their correct colour zone, and will move to the startline under the direction of the official starter.

To ensure we are providing the safest possible environment for entrants, residents and local business, the final course is subject to change. 

The long course route in 2024 will be 14.4 km.

Long Course Description

Starting in Footscray Road, Docklands, the long course will begin with a short, flat section before commencing the climb onto the Bolte Bridge.

Keep some energy up your sleeve 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)

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. 

There are four aid stations on the long course, located at 2.5km, 5km, 7.5km and 10.5km points, 

Course route subject to change

Long Course Start Zones

PLEASE ENSURE YOU ENTER A ZONE APPROPRIATE FOR YOUR ABILITY. ENTRANTS MUST COMMENCE THEIR EVENT IN THE ZONE INDICATED BY THEIR COLOUR OF THEIR RACE BIB

2024 ENTRY FEE

Adults –  $78.00

Children between 5 years-18 years –  $39.00

 

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Pre-Qualified Runner Zone – Start time 8am

This zone is for runners who have the ability to complete 15km in under 70 minutes. Qualification for this zone is based on results from the 2023 Herald Sun/Transurban Run for the Kids. If you completed the 2023 event in the required pace per kilometre, you will receive an email advising of the opportunity to enter the pre-qualified zone for the 2024 event.

This zone has been created due to feedback from entrants, with the aim to improve the experience for faster participants who may not meet the criteria for entry into the Elite Runner start zone.

If you believe your race time would qualify you to enter in the Pre-Qualified Runner Zone, but you did not compete in the 2023 Herald Sun/Transurban Run for the Kids, it may be possible for you to access this zone by completing the following process:

  1. Email: r4kadmin@news.com.au
  2. Include in the subject line: Application for Pre-Qualified Runner Zone
  3. Provide: Links to 2023 or 2024 results that show you have completed an officially timed event at a comparative distance in the required race pace (4 1/2 minutes per km or faster)

Note: there will be an area at the front of the Preferred Runner zone for elite entrants and wheelchair athletes to assemble.

Blue FAST zone – Start Time – 8am

For active runners who can complete 15km in between 70-80 minutes and intend to race against the clock. These participants will have a blue race number and should assemble in the blue zone start line assembly area in La Trobe Street no later than 8:00am to prepare for a 8:10am start.

Only entrants wearing a blue bib will be permitted to enter the blue zone start line assembly area.

Zone capacity is strictly limited, so enter early to ensure you can participate in your preferred zone.

Yellow RUN zone - Start Time - 8:20am

For semi-serious runners who intend to run the whole distance and can complete 15km in between 80-90 minutes.  These participants will have a yellow race number and should assemble in the yellow zone start line assembly area in Harbour Esplanade no later than 8:10am to prepare for a 8:20am start.

Only entrants wearing a yellow bib will be permitted to enter the yellow zone start line assembly area.

Zone capacity is strictly limited, so enter early to ensure you can participate in your preferred zone.

Pram Running Yellow Zone – 8:20am

If you are a runner with a pram that can complete 15km in between 80-90 minutes, you may be eligible to access the Pram Running Zone.

For safety, this start zone will have a separate assembly area, adjacent to the start line. If you wish to run with a pram, please enter in the yellow zone. 

When you arrive at the startline on race day, please assemble at the Pram Running zone start area, at the front of the yellow zone assembly area.

Orange JOG zone – Start Time – 8:30am

For semi-active and casual runners who will try to run or jog the whole way, and can complete the course in between 90-110 minutes. These participants will have an orange race number and should assemble in the orange zone, located behind the yellow zone in Harbour Esplanade no later than 8:20am to prepare for a 8:30am start.

Only entrants wearing an orange bib will be permitted to enter the orange zone start line assembly area.

Zone capacity is strictly limited, so enter early to ensure you can participate in your preferred zone.

Red WALK zone- Start Time – 8:40am

For entrants who want to participate for fun by themselves or in a group with children and who may walk some or all of the way. Long Course entrants with prams intending to walk MUST enter in this zone.

These participants will have a red race number and should assemble in the red zone located behind the orange zone in Harbour Esplanade no later than 8:30am to prepare for a 8:40am start.

Zone capacity is strictly limited, so enter early to ensure you can participate in your preferred zone.

Start line

The start line for both events is located in Harbour Esplanade near the corner of Docklands Drive. All participants are advised to plan ahead and get to the event 15 minutes before the start of their event. If you are coming by car, please note the road closures as they may impact access to Docklands car parks. There is limited street parking in the immediate vicinity and so please allow time to walk to the start line.

Please line up at the start marshalling area in the colour zone assembly area displayed on your race bib.

Slow runners, walkers and those walking with pushers or wheelchairs should assemble at the rear of the red start zone.

Your start time will be recorded when you cross the start line, NOT when the start signal is given. This ensures you will be given an accurate time for the event you have entered.

You are strongly advised to use public transport where timetables allow you to arrive in time for the start. Metro Trains have scheduled additional trains to allow competitors to get to the start with plenty of time to spare

You can check train timetables at ptv.vic.gov.au

 

Late Starters

If you are entered in the long course race and arrive after the last person has crossed the start line, you will not be able to compete in the long course race.
The long course start will close at 9:20am. No further entrants will be permitted to start the 14.5km event after this time

 

BE AN EARLY BIRD

Enter before December 31 to secure a personalised race bib and participate in 2024 Herald Sun/Transurban Run for the Kids at the 2023 price.

 

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