Day one of the Festival will feature a new 1.2km Kids Dash and a new 5km Family Fun Run / Walk on Saturday 9 September at Emerald Lake Park, with the echoing toots and puffs of Puffing Billy propelling all participants forward.
1.2KM Junior Dash
Date: Saturday 7th September 2024
Bib Collection: from 8:00am at the Emerald Lake Park from the Lakeside Visitor Centre.
Race Briefing: 9:55am
Start time: 10:00am
Start type: Mass start.
Course: Starts and finishes inside Emerald Lake Park from the Lakeside Visitor Centre.
Address: Emerald Lake Park, Emerald Lake Rd, Emerald VIC 3782
Rail Crossings: None
Age requirements: Participants must be 15 years or younger on event day. Parents can accompany for free (but sorry mums and dads, no finisher medals for you!). We request that all participants be accompanied on course.
Course Cut Off: 30 minutes.
Railway crossings: There are no railway crossings on this course.
While you won't be racing against the train, you will still have the chance to see it in action and hear its unmistakable whistle, which will signal the start of the race!
5KM Family Fun Run
Date: Saturday 7th September 2024
Bib Collection: from 8:00am at the Emerald Lake Park from the Lakeside Visitor Centre.
Race Briefing: 10:55am
Start time: 11:00am
Start type: Mass start.
Course: Starts and finishes inside Emerald Lake Park from the Lakeside Visitor Centre.
Address: Emerald Lake Park, Emerald Lake Rd, Emerald VIC 3782
Rail Crossings: None.
Age requirements: Participants must be 8 years or older on event day. Participants 15 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult on course.
Course Cut Off: 60 minutes.
Railway crossings: There are no railway crossings on this course.
Course Map
Want to know more?
Getting there and getting home
Please visit our Parking and Transport page >
All aboard!
On Sunday 8 September 2024, 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.
13.5KM Classic
Date: Sunday 8th September 2024
Bib Collection:
- SATURDAY: from 8:00am to 12noon at the Emerald Lake Park from the Lakeside Visitor Centre.
- SUNDAY: from 6:00am at the Belgrave CFA on Bayview Rd, Belgrave.
Start time: TBA
Start type: Wave starts - see FAQ.
Race start: Intersection of Bayview Rd and Belgave-Gembrook Road, Belgrave VIC 3160.
Race finish location: Emerald Lake Park, Emerald Lake Rd, Emerald VIC 3782.
Rail Crossings: SIX (Athletes MUST stop for trains).
Age requirements: Participants must be 13 years or older on event day. Participants under the age of 15 MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Course Cut Off: 2 hours and 15 minutes.
ABOUT THE 13.5KM CLASSIC RACE
Steeped in history, the 13.5km Classic route is THE iconic running challenge against the power and speed of TWO steam locomotives from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park.
The rolling hills will challenge you throughout the beautiful Dandenong Ranges with the course now comprising a mix of sealed asphalt roads and gravel walking tracks.
There are a total of six rail crossings along the route and competitors MUST give way to Puffing Billy under instruction from race officials.
These courses - combined with the sounds and steam of the two competing race trains and the railway crossings - provide one of the most challenging spectacular fun run locations in Australia.
21.1KM Half-Marathon
Date: Sunday 8th September 2024
Bib Collection:
- SATURDAY: from 8:00am to 12noon at the Emerald Lake Park from the Lakeside Visitor Centre.
- SUNDAY: from 6:00am at the Belgrave CFA on Bayveiw Rd, Belgrave.
Start time: TBA
Start type: Wave starts - see FAQ.
Course: Starts in Belgrave and finishes at Emerald Lake Park, incorporating a loop through Wright Forest.
Race start: Intersection of Bayview Rd and Belgave-Gembrook Road, Belgrave VIC 3160.
Race finish location: Emerald Lake Park, Emerald Lake Rd, Emerald VIC 3782.
Rail Crossings: SEVEN (Athletes MUST stop for trains).
Age requirements: Participants must be 16 years or older on event day.
Course Cut Offs: Emerald Lake Park first passing (13.5km) in 1 hr 45 mins; Finish (21.1km in 2 hrs 45 mins from last wave (11am). This is based on an average of 7:45 min/km pace.
ABOUT THE 21.1km Half Marathon
The 21.1km Half Marathon is for those seeking to stretch their fitness with a new challenge. The Half Marathon competitors will follow the 13.5km Classic route all the way to Emerald Lake Park before going beyond the finish zone.
After traversing a section of the Emerald-Cockatoo Walking Trail, you'll embark on a loop of the picturesque Wright Forest.
Within Wright Forest you'll be confronted with a series of challenging descents and climbs on dirt fire trails. If you're lucky (or have been running at just the right pace!), you'll be able to spot a Puffing Billy steam locomotive at the stunning 'No. 8 Wright Trestle Bridge'.
After completing the forest loop, you'll return to Emerald Lake Park to the cheers of your family and friends by crossing the footbridge over Lake Treganowan.
The course is a mixture of sealed asphalt roads, gravel walking tracks and dirt fire roads.
Course Map
Want to know more?
Getting there and getting home
Please visit our Parking and Transport page >
All aboard!
Cut Off Times
Designated course timing / cut-off points have been implemented to minimise the disruption to local traffic. Runners will be required to reach these points within the time limit to continue in the race.
Please note: A Tail End Charlie / Sweeper vehicle will collect runners at these points if they have not made the cut-off time.
13.5km Race Distance Cut-Off Times
- Based on an average of 8:50 min/km pace.
- Start Time: TBA
- 6.7km - Menzies Creek CFA Station: TBA
- 10.1km - Emerald Station: TBA
- 13.5km - Finish Line: TBA
21.1km race distance cut-off times
- Based on an average of 7:45 min/km pace.
- Start time - TBA
- 13.5km - Emerald Lake Park (First passing): TBA
- 21.1km - Finish line: TBA
DRINK STATIONS
Drinks stations will be located along the route to ensure you keep hydrated throughout your race.
Hosted by our friendly volunteers, you'll be all set to keep running with confidence!
| Race | Distance | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 5km Family Fun Run | 2.5km | Packing Sheds (Turn around) |
| 13.5km & 21.1km Half Marathon | 4km | Near 12 Selby-Aura Rd, Selby |
| 13.5km & 21.1km Half Marathon | 6.7km | Menzies Creek CFA Station |
| 13.5km & 21.1km Half Marathon | 10.1km | Emerald Station |
| 21.1km Half Marathon | 13km | Emerald Lake Park (First Passing) |
| 21.1km Half Marathon | 15.2km & 20.4km | Wrights Forest (Entry & Exit) |
| All Races | Finish Line | Lakeside Visitor Centre, Emerald Lake Park |