The Best Running Events in Melbourne to Get Your Steps Up
From fun runs to marathons and everything in-between, these are the best running events in Melbourne to get around in 2025.
The running craze that took over Melbourne at the beginning of 2024 shows no signs of going anywhere anytime soon. Everyone seems to be lacing up their running shoes and hitting the trails to push themselves, smash their goals and live a healthy lifestyle.
Melbourne sure knows how to celebrate running through the run clubs and many events held throughout the year. Whether it's for charity or just for fun, there's new events popping up every single month.
Mark your calendars, because these are the best running events in Melbourne.
Melbourne Colour Frenzy
It wouldn't be a running events in Melbourne article without including the Melbourne Colour Frenzy. You can run, jog or walk this self-paced run—it's completely up to you! Do one, two or all three laps of the 1.65km loop track as you get showered in every colour under the rainbow. Dogs are welcome, and kids under five-years-old can run for $5. It's a fantastic, fun-filled event for the whole family.
16th March
Register here
Starting line: Braeside Park, Lower Dandenong Road, Braeside
Run the Tan
The Tan is arguably Melbourne’s most iconic walking track, making it the perfect location for a running event. Run the Tan is a beloved Melbourne tradition supporting mental health, uniting elite athletes, everyday runners, and the wider community for a cause that matters. The event takes place on the famous 3.8km Tan Track, a scenic circuit around the Royal Botanic Gardens, offering both challenge and beauty.
Participate in the fun run or watch celebrities and athletes go head-to-head on the circuit. It's a fun day out for all involved!
27th April
Register here
Starting line: Pillars of Wisdom, Tan Track, Melbourne
Asics Run Melbourne
Run Melbourne is Melbourne's largest winter running event, where over 25,000 runners come together to race through closed-off streets in Melbourne, passing iconic landmarks. Pick your challenge: a half marathon, 10km, or 5.5km run, and embark on an exciting journey through the heart of the city, finishing at Melbourne Park Oval. With a vibrant atmosphere, cheer zones, and live entertainment along the course, ASICS Run Melbourne celebrates both fitness and community spirit. Plus, with the option to run for a charity, you can raise money for your cause while getting active. Fitness and philanthropy—what’s not to love?
13th July
Register here
Starting line: Batman Avenue, Melbourne
Werribee Mansion Run
This annual running event is well worth the drive down to Werribee. The Werribee Mansion Run will have you dashing through the gorgeous grounds of Werribee Mansion and Werribee Park, providing a scenic route for runners as they make their way through lush gardens, open parklands, and charming tree-lined paths. Offering a range of distances—including a 5.5km run or 11km double loop—this event caters to all fitness levels.
Plus, this year's run has a fun new cross country element, adding an exciting new aspect to the course.
July/August (date TBC)
Register here
Connor's Run
Connor's Run is more than just a fun run. Raising funds and awareness for kids with brain cancer, this annual event is all about getting involved, pushing yourself, and making a difference. With a scenic course along Melbourne’s bayside, participants can walk, jog, or run in support of the Robert Connor Dawes Foundation, which funds research, care, and development for young people facing brain cancer.
More than just a race, Connor’s Run fosters a strong sense of community, bringing people together for a cause that truly matters. Whether you're running solo or as part of a team, it’s an inspiring and uplifting event that proves every step counts.
14th September
Register here
Starting line: 18.8km - Ferdinando Gardens, Hampton, 9.8km - Catani Gardens, St Kilda
Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival
The Melbourne Marathon Festival is the biggest running event in Melbourne. It broke attendance records last year, with 42,000 participants running in the festival, and raising $1.8 million for various charities involved—and was even Australia's largest running festival in 2024.
Melbourne Marathon Festival has multiple events for different skill levels, with the most popular being the already sold-out marathon and half marathon. There is also a wheelchair marathon, 10km run, 5km and a 2.5km walk for those who aren't runners but still want to participate.
The Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival supports charities through its "Run for a Cause" initiative, and while running for a charity isn't compulsory (you can purchase individual tickets), it's a great way to get involved. The festival allocates a portion of its entries to charity partners, allowing runners to raise funds for important causes including the Australia Cancer Research Foundation, Dylan Alcott Foundation and Mark Hughes Foundation.
12th October
Register here
Starting line: Batman Avenue, Melbourne
Vineyards Running Festival
Vineyards Running Festival is a fun running event one and a half hours drive from Melbourne that takes scenic running to the next level. Believing that running should be more than the physical activity in itself, the creators of Vineyards Running Festival have combined fitness, nature, and a touch of indulgence. Set among the rolling vineyards of Nagambie, this event offers a breathtaking backdrop for runners of all levels. Participants can choose from a variety of distances, including a marathon, half marathon, 10km, and 5km, making it accessible to all skill levels.
3rd November
Register here
Starting line: 254 Oneils Road, Nagambie
Puffing Billy Running Festival
Billy's not the only one who will be puffing after this fun run. In this unique running event in Melbourne, you'll be racing not only your fellow runners, but the Puffing Billy itself. The Puffing Bully Running Festival is a fun annual event that gets the community together to raise money for heritage railway projects, including the restoration of the Belgrave Station Signal Box.
There's the 21.1km half marathon, 13.5km classic run, 5km family fun run and the 1.2km kids dash—so everyone can get involved!
Dates to be announced, follow for updates
Starting line: Junior Dash and Family Fun Run - Emerald Lake, Half Marathon and Classic Run - Belgrave
Run for the Young
The Run for the Young is a charity fundraiser event dedicated to supporting youth programs and initiatives. Held in Lilydale, this scenic run offers participants the chance to race through the beautiful Yarra Valley while making a meaningful impact. Races span from full marathons to short kids fun runs, ensuring there’s a challenge for every fitness level.
All funds raised go towards Bridge Builders Youth Charity, helping to create opportunities and provide support for young people in need. Whether you're aiming for a personal best or simply want to run for a great cause, Run for the Young is a rewarding and inspiring event to be part of.
23rd November
Register here
Starting line: 120 Anderson Street, Lilydale
2XU Wellness Run
The 2XU Wellness Run proudly supports Beyond Blue. With the aim to spread awareness about running's benefits for mental health and wellbeing, this walk, jog or run helps to raise money for Beyond Blue's support services. All distances start and finish at the stunning Catani gardens in St Kilda, with races including a 21.1km half marathon, 10km and 5km distances and a 1km Kids' run for under 12s.
Dates are yet to be confirmed for 2025, so be sure to follow along their Facebook page for updates.
Dates to be announced, follow for updates
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.
