Can you beat the train?
NEW EVENT DATES!
The 2024 Puffing Billy Running Festival will now take place on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October.
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!
NEXT STEPS:
If you're an existing participant, here's the next steps for you:
1. AUTOMATIC TRANSFER
As an existing participant, you will have your entry automatically transferred to new event dates of Saturday 26 - Sunday 27 October 2024. No action is necessary.
2. UNABLE TO MAKE THE NEW DATE - REFUND REQUEST
If you cannot attend the new date, please complete this form request a refund.
To assist us manage this process, we ask that refund requests are received by 18th of September and will be processed by 20th of September. A second batch will also be processed by 1st of October.
3. UNABLE TO MAKE THE NEW DATE - TRANSFER REQUEST
Can't make the new date, but wish to transfer your entry to a friend? Please click here to begin a transfer.
WAITLIST
Existing participants on the Waitlist will be contacted on 20th of September offering places in the sold out events, based on the number of refund requests received.
RACE TRAIN TICKET HOLDERS
All race train ticket holders will be automatically transferred to the new event date or may receive a refund if they are not able to attend the new event date. New train confirmation emails will be sent to ticket holders in due course.
To request a refund on train tickets, kindly contact the Puffing Billy Railway Customer Service Centre via email at info@pbr.org.au with your Booking Name and Booking Reference Number.
Thanks for your understanding and we hope to see you all on Saturday 26 - Sunday 27 October 2024.
ABOUT THE PUFFING BILLY RUNNING FESTIVAL
Day one of the Festival will feature two family-friendly events in Emerald Lake Park: 1.2km Kids Dash and 5km Family Fun Run / Walk. The echoing toots and puffs of Puffing Billy propelling all participants forward!
Then, on day two, prepare to witness a fierce showdown as up to 2,500 participants take on the challenge of a lifetime: racing against two colossal steam locomotives from Belgrave to Emerald in the heart-pounding 13.5 km 'Classic' Run.
For those hungry for even greater conquests, there's the 21.1km road and trail Half Marathon: a true test of endurance set amidst the breathtaking views and unyielding hills of the Eastern Dandenong Ranges with an off road loop through Wrights Forest.
Spectators looking to cheer on participants 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 Lakeside Visitor Centre within Emerald Lake Park will host the Festival’s Finish Zone precinct.
It’s sweat versus steam through the rolling hills of the 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
SOLD OUT
8:40am Race Start
Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park
SOLD OUT
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.