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 startline will be located in Footscray Road, Docklands. Entrants will marshal in Harbour Esplanade in their correct colour zone, and will move to the startline under the direction of the official starter.
The long course route in 2025 will be 14.4 km, and is nearly identical to the 2024 course route.
To ensure we are providing the safest possible environment for entrants, residents and local business, the final course is subject to change.
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
2025 ENTRY FEE
Adults – $78
Children aged 5 years -17 years – $39
ENTER NOW
Pre-Qualified Runner Zone – Start time 7:45am
PLEASE NOTE THE EARLIER START TIME THAN 2024
This 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 advising of the opportunity to enter the pre-qualified zone for the 2025 event, and an access code that will you allow you to enter the pre-qualified zone.
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 2024 Herald Sun/Transurban Run for the Kids, it may still be possible for you to access this zone by completing the following process:
- Email: r4kadmin@news.com.au
- Include in the subject line: Application for Pre-Qualified Runner Zone
- Provide: Links to 2024 results that show you have completed an officially timed event at a comparative distance in the required race pace.
Note: there will be an area in front of the Pre-Qualfied Runner zone for elite entrants and wheelchair athletes to assemble.
Blue FAST zone – Start Time – 7:50am
PLEASE NOTE THE EARLIER START TIME THAN 2024
For active runners who can complete 14.4km in between 65-79 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 7:35am to prepare for a 7:50am 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 - 8AM
PLEASE NOTE THE EARLIER START TIME THAN 2024
For semi-serious runners who intend to run the whole distance and can complete 14.4km in between 80-99 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 7:45am to prepare for a 8am start.
Yellow zone runners with prams will be start at the front of yellow zone.
To help manage course congestion in the early section of the course route, there will be three separate waves of yellow zone runners released across the start line.
Waves will be managed by the start line operations team.
Wave one start time – 8am – Yellow zone runners with prams
Wave two start time – 8:05am
Wave three start time – 8:10am
Only entrants wearing a yellow bib will be permitted to enter the yellow zone start line assembly area.
Zone capacity is strictly limited and yellow zone sells out every year, so enter early to ensure you can participate in your preferred zone.
Pram Running Yellow Zone – 8am
PLEASE NOTE THE EARLIER START TIME THAN 2024
If you are a runner with a pram that can complete 14.4km in between 80-99 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 start line 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 – 8:20am
PLEASE NOTE THE EARLIER START TIME THAN 2024
For semi-active and casual joggers who will try to run or jog the whole way, and can complete the course in between 100-120 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 8:05am to prepare for a 8:20am start.
To help manage course congestion in the early section of the course route, there will be two separate waves of orange zone runners released across the start line.
Waves will be managed by the start line operations team.
Wave one start time – 8:20am
Wave two start time – 8:30am
Only entrants wearing a orange bib will be permitted to enter the orange zone start line assembly area.
Zone capacity is strictly limited and orange zone sells out every year, 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 8:50am. No further entrants will be permitted to start the 14.4km event after this time
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