The Best Running Events in Melbourne Worth Signing Up For

Melbourne’s running scene has shifted from a trend to a full-blown movement, with the city’s calendar now packed with fun runs, charity challenges and landmark races that draw beginners and seasoned athletes alike. From bayside jogs to garden loops and festival-scale courses through closed-off streets, these running events in Melbourne offer something for every pace.

Whether you’re chasing a personal best, joining friends for a weekend fun run, or scouting your next charity challenge, these are the best running events in Melbourne to add to your 2026 calendar.

Melbourne Colour Frenzy

The Melbourne Colour Frenzy remains one of the city’s most joyful fun runs: a self-paced event where you can walk, jog or run a 1.65km loop while being showered in bursts of colour. Do one lap or several, bring the dog, and know that kids under five can join in for $5. It’s bright, inclusive and ideal for families looking for a gentle way to get moving.

New date for 2026 coming soon

Register here

Run the Tan

Circling the 3.8km track around the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne, Run the Tan is one of Melbourne’s most iconic race days. This event champions mental health, drawing elite athletes, everyday runners and supporters for a community-driven day at an instantly recognisable Melbourne landmark. Enter the fun run or enjoy the spectacle as athletes and celebrities take on the climb at Anderson Street.

Sunday 26th April, 2026

Register here

Starting line: Pillars of Wisdom, Tan Track, Melbourne

Asics Run Melbourne

One of the biggest winter running events in Melbourne, ASICS Run Melbourne brings thousands into the CBD for half-marathons, 10km and 5.5km distances. The course winds past city icons and finishes at Melbourne Park Oval with live entertainment and cheer zones along the way. With the option to run for charity, it’s a feel-good event that blends community spirit with urban energy.

19th July, 2026

Register here

Starting line: Batman Avenue, Melbourne

Werribee Mansion Run

The Werribee Mansion Run is worth every minute of the drive. The course winds through the manicured grounds of Werribee Park, passing gardens, open lawns and tree-lined paths. Choose from a 5.5km or 11km double loop, with a new cross-country element added this year for runners who enjoy a little extra variety in their terrain.

Sunday April 12th, 2026

Register here

Connor’s Run

Connor’s Run is one of Melbourne’s most meaningful annual fun runs, raising funds for the Robert Connor Dawes Foundation in support of young people with brain cancer. The bayside course is beautiful, and participants can walk, jog or run either distance. It’s an uplifting day defined by connection, purpose and community.

Date TBC

Register here

Starting line: 18.8km – Ferdinando Gardens, Hampton, 9.8km – Catani Gardens, St Kilda

Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival

The Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival is the city’s biggest running event and one of Australia’s headline races. Last year, 42,000 participants took part across distances from a full marathon to 2.5km walks. With wheelchair marathons, charity partnerships, and races for all skill levels, the festival transforms Melbourne into a citywide celebration of running.

Sunday 11th October, 2026

Register here

Starting line: Batman Avenue, Melbourne

Vineyards Running Festival

Set among the rolling vines of Nagambie, the Vineyards Running Festival blends fitness with a scenic regional escape. Runners can choose from a marathon, half-marathon, 10km or 5km course, all framed by wide skies and vineyard rows. It’s a beautiful way to explore country Victoria on foot — and make a weekend of it.

21st February, 2026

Register here

Starting line: 254 Oneils Road, Nagambie

Puffing Billy Running Festival

You won’t just be racing other runners at the Puffing Billy Railway — you’ll be chasing the steam train itself. The Puffing Bully Running Festival is one of the most playful running events in Melbourne, sending participants through forested trails and valley views while the heritage locomotive whistles alongside. It’s all in support of local railway projects, including the restoration of the historic Belgrave Station Signal Box.

Choose your challenge: a 21.1km half marathon, 13.5km classic run, 5km family fun run or the 1.2km kids’ dash. A scenic race, a great cause and a very memorable finish line.

Dates to be announced (usually September), follow for updates

Starting line: Junior Dash and Family Fun Run – Emerald Lake, Half Marathon and Classic Run – Belgrave

Run for the Young

Held in Lilydale, Run for the Young supports Bridge Builders Youth Charity, with distances ranging from full marathons to short family-friendly runs. The course weaves through the Yarra Valley, offering a scenic route with meaningful impact. It’s a rewarding way to challenge yourself while contributing to vital youth programs.

Sunday 29th November, 2026

Register here

Starting line: 120 Anderson Street, Lilydale

2XU Wellness Run

Supporting Beyond Blue, the 2XU Wellness Run highlights the benefits of movement for mental wellbeing. Distances include a half marathon, 10km, 5km and a 1km kids’ event, all starting and finishing at Catani Gardens. It’s a relaxed, community-minded day by the water with a strong purpose at its core.

The 2026 date has not yet been confirmed, so be sure to follow their Facebook page for updates.

November 2026

Starting line: Catani Gardens, St Kilda

Enjoyed reading about the best running events in Melbourne and want even more of a fitness fix? Take a look at these stunning walks in Melbourne to get your step count up, or sign up to these boutique gyms and fitness studios.