Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October 2024
Can you beat the train?
Choose between 1.2km Junior Dash, 5km Family Fun Run, 13.5km Classic and 21.1km Half Marathon race distances.
Join the Puffing Billy Running Festival on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October
The recent wild weather may have caused a delay, but the buzz is still building for an action-packed weekend the whole family can enjoy!
And the best part? There’s now extra time to train and take your best shot at beating the train!
PLUS, the previously sold-out 13.5km ‘Classic’ and 21.1km Half Marathon race options now have new capacity for those who missed out the first time around.
Day one kicks off with family-friendly events at Emerald Lake Park; the 1.2km Kids Dash and the 5km Family Fun Run/Walk, where the iconic toots and puffs of Puffing Billy will keep everyone moving!
Day two turns up the heat as up to 3,000 participants race against two colossal steam locomotives from Belgrave to Emerald in the heart-pounding 13.5 km 'Classic' Run and the 21.1km road and trail half marathon.
Spectators won’t miss out on the action either, hopping on board the legendary Puffing Billy for an unforgettable journey and maybe even overtaking the runners!
The Lakeside Visitor Centre at Emerald Lake Park will serve as the Festival’s Finish Zone, where all the post-race celebrations will happen.
It’s a thrilling battle of sweat vs steam through the stunning Dandenong Ranges. So, can you beat the train? There’s only one way to find out!
EVENTS
Saturday 7th September
A fun family day in Emerald Lake Park.
10:00am Race Start
Emerald Lake Park
11:00am Race Start
Emerald Lake Park
Sunday 8th September
Race against two trains from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park.
8:40am Race Start
Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park
8:40am Race Start
Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park
Why run the Puffing Billy Running Festival?
Experience the thrill and challenge of racing Puffing Billy!
Electronic Timing and Results
Finisher Medal
Finisher Certificate
Bag Drop
Drink Stations
On Course First Aid
On Course Road Closures
Family entertainment at finish line
On-Course Photography available for purchase
Optional return locomotive journey back to start line available for purchase
Optional return bus shuttle back to start line available for purchase
It's a fundraiser, too!
Proceeds from the 2024 Puffing Billy Running Festival will be donated to heritage railway projects, such as the construction of Puffing Billy Railway’s Belgrave Station Signal Box.
About Puffing Billy Railway
Built in 1900 to serve the local communities that lived in the hills, carrying anything from passengers to timber, livestock, potatoes and plants, Puffing Billy Railway is a century old not-for-profit steam railway attraction that connects people with the past, their environment and each other.
Continuing to puff daily (except Christmas Day) with the support of over 300 passionate volunteers, Puffing Billy Railway invites you to ride in our open side carriages as you journey over the hills, down the valleys and into the lush forest on the original 24 kilometre mountain track between Belgrave and Gembrook.