We look forward to welcoming everyone to Docklands on Sunday, April 6, 2025

The Long course starts from 7:45am. Please note, this is 15 minutes earlier than 2024.

The Short course starts from 9:30am

The Long Course will be 14.4 km and the Short Course will be 4.7km. The courses are nearly identical to the course routes of 2024, so its the perfect opportunity to try and run a comparative PB time.

Our operations team is carefully checking the course routes for changes caused by bike lanes, road works and new construction sites, to ensure the course routes are safe.

The start and finish lines, and all the family-friendly fun activities will be in Docklands.

Click on the purple “Enter Now” button on the home page of runforthekids.com.au, and complete the online registration process.

Both courses start and finish in Docklands and ALL entrants of the long and the short course will traverse the Bolte Bridge. The courses are nearly identical to 2024, so there is a great opportunity to run a PB!

Check out the Long Course Route

Check out the Short Course Route

There is a gradual incline on the bridge and if you’re taking part in the Short Course, the ramp onto the bridge will be the biggest challenge but you will be rewarded at the top with fabulous views of Melbourne. Dig deep and enjoy the views!

Run for the Kids has moved to a new registration platform, so entrants will notice some changes to the process compared with previous years, especially when creating a new team.

The set up of PAY NOW teams (where each team member pays for their own entry) remains similar to previous years.

To create a PAY NOW team (where each team member pays for their own entry), click on the “CREATE TEAM” button the homepage of runforthekids.com.au. Once your team is created be sure to complete your own entry, as the first team member entered into the team is recorded as the Team Manager.

The set up of PAY LATER teams (where the Team Manager pays for all entries) has changed.

To be eligible to create a PAY LATER team, a Team Manager must anticipate at least 30 team members will enter Run for the Kids in 2025, and pay an initial deposit of $100. Once payment is received, the Team Manager will be issued with a team code to provide to their potential team members. When team entries close on March 23, 2025, the Team Manager will be required to finalise payment for all team members who have completed an entry using their team code (less the deposit already received). Once payment is received, Pay Later team race kits will be dispatched in a single delivery to the Team Manager for distribution to team members.

For assistance with the new registration process or setting up a team, please contact the Race office via email r4kadmin@news.com.au.

To help ensure an enjoyable event day experience for all entrants, the Long Course will start 15 minutes earlier in 2025. 

In addition, both Yellow and Orange start zones will be released across the start line in multiple wave starts

We anticipate this will help manage the number of entrants across the course route, and help ensure that the long course does not become too congested.

Yes, you definitely can! Simply click on the “Buy a Gift” link to purchase a Gift code.

Once you finalise payment, you will receive an email containing your gift code. You can either forward the gift email to the gift recipient, or you can copy and paste the gift code into your own email to share it.

Absolutely. In the post event feedback survey, more than 80% of entrants told us they would love to receive a medal, so in 2025, every entrant will have the opportunity to collect a medal after they complete their event.

While 2025 does mark the 20th year of the Herald Sun/Transurban Run for the Kids, it is only the 19th event. (One event did not go ahead as planned due to COVID 19). We are planning big celebrations for the 20th event in 2026!

EARLYBIRD

December 16 – Midnight (AEDT) December 31, 2024

Long Course $66.30

Short Course $58.65

STANDARD

January 1-March 23 (if not sold out prior)

Long Course $78.00

Short Course $69.00

Kids aged between 5 years and 17 years Run for the Kids at 50% of the adult registration fee.

Children aged between 0-4 years are free, but must still be registered.

Delivery fees for Race Kits are additional $7 per kit or you can choose to collect your Race Kit from the Race Office in Southbank in the week prior to the event at no cost.

YEs!  Kids Run for the Kids at half price

All children aged between 4 years and 17 years will receive a 50% discount off the adult registration price.  We hope this makes is possible for families to attend and participate together.

Registration for children under the age of 4 is free however, they must be registered for the event to ensure their attendance is recorded for insurance and emergency management purposes.

Unfortunately, to ensure we meet our event planning obligations, we are unable to accept entries on race day.

Access to the Long Course elite start zone is determined by timings set by Race Director Steve Moneghetti.

To apply for access to the Elite start zone, once you have entered Run for the Kids, please email the Race Office at r4kadmin@news.com.au including links to recent results for a comparative distance.

Applications are considered on merit, and are not automatically provided. Access to the Elite zone closes on March 1, 2025, and requests after this time will not be considered.

This pre-qualified runner zone is for runners who have the ability to complete 14.4km in under 65 minutes. Qualification for this zone is based on results from the 2024 Herald Sun/Transurban Run for the Kids. If you completed the 2024 event in the required pace per kilometre, you will receive an email by December 23, advising of the opportunity to enter the pre-qualified zone for the 2025 event.

This zone has been created 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 2024 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 2024 official race results 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 Prequalified Runner zone for Elite Entrants and wheelchair athletes to assemble.

The maximum number of entrants is 30,000. As soon as this number is reached, entries close, so register and pay as soon as possible to guarantee your entry.

Once a colour zone or distance has filled to capacity, no more entries can be taken into that particular zone or distance, and entries in that zone will automatically close.

The deadline for team entries is 11:59pm (AEDT) Sunday, March 23, 2025.

Individual entries will close at 11:59pm (AEST) on Wednesday April 2, 2025 (if not sold out prior)

Choose a colour zone in which you will be able to complete the race comfortably. If you are running with a friend or family member who is slower paced, choose the colour zone corresponding to the slower time.

You can review more information about Long Course start zones here

You can review more information about Short Course start zones here

Simply enter by December 31, 2024 and you will have the option to create a personalised race bib featuring your name, nickname or team name.

Official 2025 Event Merchandise is expected to arrive in late February 2025

We will advise entrants as soon as merchandise is available for purchase.

Once your entry is accepted, your fee is not refundable except as required by Australian Consumer Law.

In limited circumstances, the Race Office can assist with a transfer to another person or to a future Run for the Kids event.

We recommend you contact the Race Office via email r4kadmin@news.com.au or by telphone on 03 9292 2901 for advice on what might be possible.

There were only a very small number of entrants who were permitted to roll forward their entry from the 2024 event.

The Race Office will make direct contact with those entrants prior to December 31, 2024, and advise how they can process their entry for the 2025 event.

You must complete an event registration to participate in Run for the Kids.

While entrants are encouraged to fundraise or make an additional donation to support the Good Friday Appeal, it is not mandatory.

For individual fundraising pages: Simply select “YES” to the Would you like to create a fundraising page” question in the registration process, and and official Run for the Kids online fundraising page will be automatically created for you. Once your page is created, you will receive an email with a link to activate your page.

For Team Managers: when you create your participation team, select “YES” to the Would you like to create a fundraising page” question in the registration process. This will create a Team Fundraising page. Each time an entrant joins your participation team, if they also select “YES” to the Would you like to create a fundraising page” question in their registration process, their fundraising page will automatically be included on your Team fundraising page.

Entrants can choose to make a donation during the Event registration process or visit the fundraising page at any time and click on the “Donate Now” button.

Since Run for the Kids began in 2006, the event has raised more than $22.3 million dollars for the Good Friday Appeal.

At least 50% of total funds received by Run for the Kids are donated to the Good Friday Appeal, so by participating in the event, entrants are supporting a great cause.

If your question isn’t answered on this page, please contact the Race Office by email r4kadmin@news.com.au or by telephoning 9292 2901.

The Race Office team are available between 10am-4pm, Monday to Friday.

Race Kits will be mailed in progressive mail outs commencing in March 2025. Race Kits can become separated in the mail, so please do not be concerned if Race Kits for your family don’t all arrive on the same day. Its possible they will arrive up to a week apart.

Race Kits will arrive with participants up until April 3.  Please wait until after this date, and if your Race Kit has not arrived, please contact the Race office by email: r4kadmin@news.com.au. Race Kits will not be replaced until after April 3.

The Race Kit collection point will be located in Southbank.

It will be open on Saturday March 29 and be open each day from 10am-6pm until Friday, April 4.

Your race kit will include the following:

• Race Number with timing tag attached to the back
• Safety pins

In 2025, the Racebook will be provided to entrants as a PDF via email.

Please check that your race number is identical to the timing chip number stuck to the back of the bib. If they are different, please contact the Race Office on 9292 2901, or r4kadmin@news.com.au

Then, please read all the information in the downloadable racebook, as this will help you prepare for the day, and ensure that your day is enjoyable.

Your race number contains your timing chip so is crucial to your participation in the event. Unfortunately, we are unable to allow entrants to participate unless they are wearing a race bib when they arrive at the start line.

If you are unable to locate your race kit, please email the Race Office at r4kadmin@news.com.au. The Race office staff will verify your entry and advise how to obtain a duplicate race kit in time for the race.

There is a $15 fee to replace a lost race number.

To alter your details, please email r4kadmin@news.com.au, with your full name, the distance you have entered, and your old and new address

To assist us to carefully manage event capacity, it is critical that you participate in the event in the colour zone displayed on your race bib.

If you would like to change your start zone, please contact the Race Office at r4kadmin@news.com.au. Changes between zones are subject to availability of positions within the requested zone, and approval by the Race Registration Manager. There is a $15 fee to transfer to a different colour zone.

If you have entered in the wrong distance, please contact the race office at r4kadmin@news.com.au

The Race office will provide you with the appropriate advice on how to change the distance that you particpate in. 

Please note, if your race kit has already been dispatched by the Race Office, it MUST be returned before a new race kit is issued.

Yes. The baggage zone is located in the Event Precinct, close to the start line and is colour coded according to start zone. 

As space is limited, we ask entrants not to bring large backpacks or luggage. Small backpacks will be accepted, or you are welcome to collect a clear plastic bag when you reach the baggage zone.

If you are participating in the walking zones, you are able to carry your bag or backpack with you on the course.

Your Race Number includes a tear-off baggage label, which is used to identify any baggage you leave in the baggage zone. Loop and secure this tag onto the bag you leave at the baggage area.

The organisers are not responsible for any clothing left at the start. The organisers are similarly not responsible for lost items and you are advised to keep any money, valuables or important items with you at all times. Make sure you collect your bag by 1pm.

Prams are permitted but for safety reasons, entrants walking with a pram will be required to start at the rear of the Red zone (Long Course) or White zone (Short Course).

If you intend to run with a pram on the long course, please enter the yellow zone as runners with prams will be given start line priority.

If you intend to run with a pram on the short course, please enter the purple zone as runners with prams will be given start line priority.

No. As with most fun runs, for the safety of both pets and people, the organisers will not permit any animals on the course.

No. For safety reasons, bikes, handcycles, roller-skaters and roller-bladers are prohibited on the course. This includes children’s bikes and scooters

For the safety of all participants, please leave your iPod/iPhone/walkman/portable music device or radio at home.

Registration for children aged between 0-4 years is free however, they must be registered for the event to ensure their attendance is recorded for insurance and emergency management purposes.

Children who intend walking the short course must do so under the supervision of their parent or a guardian and must be entered and wearing a race number. It is the right of the organisers to remove any person without a race bib from the course.

There is no age limit for the event and we are aware that many families will want to complete the full course together as part of a special day out for a special cause. There is no prize in the long course for children as the organisers do not wish to encourage children younger than 12 to race such a long distance. It is up to the parent or the guardian to decide if their child is capable of completing and enjoying the longer course.

First aid is available at the start line, at each aid station on the course and at the finish line. If you feel unwell at any stage during your race, speak with a course marshal who will be able to obtain assistance for you.

All entrants are issued with a numbered timing tag attached to the back of their race number. When you cross the start line, your tag will register that you have started the race, and when you cross the finish line, your tag will register that you have finished the race. These times are recorded and your net race time is calculated. Please note: Your timing tag will only work for the event in which you are registered.

The timing chips issued in 2025 are disposable. You are not required to return them.

As the timing chips issued in 2025 are disposable, there is no requirement to return them if you chose not to participate.

Certificates will be available as a pdf download from midday Monday, April 7, 2025

Results will be available from midday, Monday, April 7, 2025.

Simply select and pay for the SMS result during the registration process.

If you have already entered the event, contact the Race office by telephone 03 9292 2901 to add an SMS time to your registration.

Please try searching by your race number and both your first and last name. If your race kit was replaced on race day, your result will be added as soon as possible.

If you have any questions about your result, please email r4kadmin@news.com.au, with you full name,race number and race distance, and we will investigate.

Check out results from previous years here