Herald Sun / Transurban Run For The Kids

The Herald-Sun / Transurban Run for the Kids is one of the great local events in Melbourne aimed at fundraising for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.

Participants can walk or run the 14.4km long course or opt for the shorter 4.7km course. This popular event requires participants to pay entry fees, with a significant portion of the money raised donated to the Appeal.

Herald Sun / Transurban Run For The Kids Melbourne Course Map & 2025 Dates

The event offers runners a choice of two courses. Both tracks start at Harbour Esplanade near the corner of Docklands Drive and end around the Docklands Park Precinct. Families with children are recommended to choose the shorter 4.7km course, which is designed to be much more family-friendly.

14.4km Long Course

Entrants are welcomed back to the 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 history, 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 on Footscray Road. Entrants will marshal in Harbour Esplanade in their correct colour zone and move to the start line under the direction of the official starter. The final course is subject to change to ensure the safest possible environment for entrants, residents, and local businesses.

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 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. Entrants will head back towards the CBD along one of Melbourne’s most famous boulevards by joining the St Kilda Road service lane.

Just before the Yarra River, the course descends into Alexandra Gardens to the riverfront, with a straight, flat section along the 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,

4.7km Short Course

With the support of Transurban, they are once again able to include the Bolte Bridge in the Short Course route.

Entrants will marshal in their start zones in Harbour Esplanade and be moved into position near the start gantry under the directions of the official starter. The finish line will be adjacent to Docklands Park on Collins Street, providing space and a garden location to relax after completing your event.

If you prefer water views, Victoria Harbour will be just a short walk away, but please take care when crossing Bourke Street.

Entrants will marshal on Harbour Esplanade near the corner of LaTrobe Street and proceed to the start line on Footscray Road under the instructions of the official starter. After a short flat start, the course will climb southbound onto the Bolte Bridge to get the best views of Melbourne.

Leaving CityLink at Lorimer Street, the route re-enters Docklands via Charles Grimes Bridge before finishing in the Docklands Park Precinct.

One aid station is on the short course at the 2.5km point.

Getting There

With so many entrants travelling to the event and many road closures to keep runners safe, we recommend that entrants plan their journey to Run for the Kids carefully to ensure stress-free travel.

Participants are encouraged to use public transport to attend the event. The start line is an easy ten-minute stroll from Southern Cross Station around the Marvel Stadium Concourse.

For those wishing to drive, see below for great parking deals from carparks in Docklands.

Marvel Stadium is offering entrants a $15 parking fee between 4am and 2pm. Access parking by Car Park A from Bourke Street or Car Park E from Wurundjeri Way. As there is an AFL match after Run for the Kids, be sure to exit by 2pm to avoid any additional costs.

District Docklands East Car Park at 90 Waterfront Way, Docklands, offers a great parking solution for entrants. Park, run, then drop into District Docklands for a meal or hit the shops before you head home. Secure, multi-level undercover parking, with a Tesla Australia Charging Station available on Level 1. The All Day Parking Flat Fee is $12. Please pay at the pay stations located at each entry

Dogs are not permitted to run in the race with participants. Prams are allowed, 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).