Can you beat the train?

Celebrating its rich heritage and unique blend of athletic challenge with the scenic beauty of the Dandenong Ranges, the Puffing Billy Running Festival is back and promises a weekend full of excitement and adventure for runners and spectators alike.

ENTRIES ARE OPEN!

Visit the Running Festival website to enter.

Enter Now!

  • EVENT DATES

    Saturday 7th September 2024
    Sunday 8th September 2024

  • DISTANCES

    21.1 km Half Marathon
    13.5 km Classic
    5 km Fun Run
    1.2 km Kids Dash

Saturday 7th September

Children and mum in running gear.

The Festival’s first day features the popular 1.2km Kids Dash and 5km Family Fun Run / Walk at Emerald Lake Park, accompanied by the cheerful sounds of Puffing Billy adding an extra dose of encouragement as each little participant gives it their all on each racecourse. After the race, participants can enjoy a bunch of family-friendly activities and roving entertainment at Lakeside Visitor Centre.

Sunday 8th September

A field of runners are sprinting underneath a trestle bridge with a steam train travelling over it,

Day two is when the real action heats up, with up to 3,000 runners taking on the 13.5km ‘Classic’ as they race against a mighty steam locomotive from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park. For those seeking the ultimate running challenge, the 21.1km road and trail Half Marathon will push your physical and mental limits against the demanding hills of the Eastern Dandenong Ranges as participants continue to Wright Forest, before returning to the finish line in Emerald.

Family and friends will get the chance to cheer on runners while on board Puffing Billy, possibly even beating them to the finish line!

Festival Finish Zone at Lakeside Visitor Centre

A family of four are jumping for joy outside the Lakeside Visitor Centre

Puffing Billy Railway’s Lakeside Visitor Centre will once again serve as the Festival’s Finish Zone, offering an array of food and beverage options at the Railway Café, retail offerings and exclusive access to Puffing Billy Running Festival merchandise, as well as the opportunity to bask in the serene natural beauty of Emerald Lake Park post-race.

The Puffing Billy Running Festival is proudly supported by Puffing Billy Railway’s 350 committed volunteers, with proceeds from this year’s Festival being donated to support vital heritage railway projects like Puffing Billy Railway’s Belgrave Station Signal Box.

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or lacing up your shoes for the first time, there is a race waiting for you at the Puffing Billy Running Festival.