PUffing billy running festival
12 - 13 SEPTEMBER 2026
1.5km, 5km + 13.5km Classic
ENTRIES NOW OPEN! EARLY BIRD PRICING EXPIRES 2ND JULY AT MIDNIGHT
Can you beat the train?
The Puffing Billy Running Festival continues a 40 year tradition of a foot race against the Puffing Billy steam locomotive that dates back to the 1980s!
Day one of the Festival will feature a 1.5km Kids Dash and a 5km Family Fun Run / Walk on Saturday 12 September at Emerald Lake Park, with the echoing toots and puffs of Puffing Billy propelling all participants forward!
Then, on Sunday 13 September, up to 3,000 participants take on the challenge of a lifetime, racing against two steam locomotives from Belgrave to Emerald in the heart-pounding 13.5 km 'Classic' Run.
ALL ABOARD!
Spectators looking to cheer on runners can embark on an unforgettable journey themselves, hopping aboard the iconic Puffing Billy and potentially even surpassing the racing runners!
The state-of-the-art Puffing Billy Lakeside Visitor Centre within Emerald Lake Park hosts the Festival’s Finish Zone precinct with free massages, family entertainment, music and sponsor activities.
EVENTS
A fun family day in Emerald Lake Park.
Sat 12 Sept 2026
10:00am Race Start
Emerald Lake Park
A fun family day in Emerald Lake Park.
Sat 12 Sept 2026
11:00am Race Start
Emerald Lake Park
Race against two trains from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park.
Sun 13 Sept 2026
8:45am 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
(CUP-FREE in '26!)
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
FREE return bus shuttle back to start line.
It's a fundraiser, too!
Proceeds from the Festival help fund essential heritage restoration projects at Puffing Billy Railway.
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.