KeepActive

Family Fun Runs in Melbourne & Victoria

Search by location, event type and date.

96 events with details to check

These events have missing or unconfirmed selected details. They are not confirmed matches. Back to confirmed matches
Aussie Alpine Backyarder

Aussie Alpine Backyarder

Not confirmed: family participation.

31 Dec 2026

Falls Creek, VIC, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event

The Aussie Alpine Backyarder returns on Thursday, December 31, 2026, to the stunning High Country of Falls Creek, Victoria.Celebrate New Year's Eve with this thrilling endurance challenge. Runners...

View event
Sponsored Sponsored advertisement for Brooks Running
Sponsored Sponsored advertisement for Brooks Running
New Year's Eve Rock Around the Clock

New Year's Eve Rock Around the Clock

Not confirmed: family participation.

31 Dec 2026

Little River, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event 5 km10 km21.1 km42.2 km50 km Trail

New Year’s Eve Rock Around the Clock is a night trail running event in Little River, Victoria, held on 31 December 2026. It offers a choice of race...

View event
Dawnbuster Fun Run

Dawnbuster Fun Run

Not confirmed: family participation.

31 Dec 2026

Steampacket Gardens, Geelong Waterfront, Western Beach Road, Geelong VIC 3220

Running Race or organised distance event 5 km

The Dawnbuster Fun Run has been held for over 30 years and attracts up to 600 entrants every year. It is seen as the last event of the...

View event
Tim Gates Classic

Tim Gates Classic

Not confirmed: family participation.

03 Jan 2027

Fairhaven, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event 5 km10 km Kids activities available

The Tim Gates Classic is a community fun run held in Fairhaven, Victoria, on Sunday, 3 January 2027. Participants can choose between a 5-kilometre walk or run and...

View event
2027 Portarlington Gift

2027 Portarlington Gift

Not confirmed: family participation.

03 Jan 2027

Portarlington Cricket Club, 4-22 Sproat Street, Portarlington VIC 3223

Running Race or organised distance event

The 2027 Portarlington Gift is a Victorian Athletic League athletics carnival to be held on Sunday 3 January 2027 at the Portarlington Recreation Reserve. Athletes from across Victoria...

View event
Sponsored Sponsored advertisement for ASICS
Sponsored Sponsored advertisement for ASICS
Lorne Mountain to Surf

Lorne Mountain to Surf

Not confirmed: family participation.

08 Jan 2027

Lorne, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event 8 km Mixed surfaces From $55.00 / entry Kids activities available

Lorne Mountain to Surf is an annual 8km run or walk in Lorne, set against one of Victoria’s most scenic coastal backdrops. The course begins in the township...

View event
Powercor Lorne Mountain to Surf

Powercor Lorne Mountain to Surf

Not confirmed: family participation.

08 Jan 2027

Lorne, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event 8 km Mixed surfaces Kids activities available

The Powercor Lorne Mountain to Surf is an 8km run or walk that takes participants from the heart of Lorne into the scenic Otway forest ranges before returning...

View event
Portsea Twilight

Portsea Twilight

Not confirmed: family participation.

09 Jan 2027

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event 5.5 km9.5 km

Portsea Twilight is a summer evening event held at Point Nepean National Park and listed for Saturday 9 January 2027 with a scheduled run time of 4:00pm to...

View event
Portsea Bay to Surf

Portsea Bay to Surf

Not confirmed: family participation.

15 Jan 2027

Portsea, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event 4.5 km9 km Mixed surfaces

Portsea Bay to Surf is a Friday-evening running event through the coastal landscapes of Point Nepean National Park, finishing at Portsea Surf Life Saving Club. Competitors travel across...

View event
Bogong to Hotham

Bogong to Hotham

Not confirmed: family participation.

16 Jan 2027

Mount Beauty, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event 29 km35 km64 km Trail

The Bogong to Hotham is an iconic trail run through Victoria’s High Country, drawing on a long and respected history in Australian trail running. The event is a...

View event
Bogong to Hotham

Bogong to Hotham

Not confirmed: family participation.

16 Jan 2027

Mount Beauty, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event 29 km35 km64 km Trail

Bogong to Hotham is a challenging high-country trail race through Victoria’s alpine terrain, taking runners from Mountain Creek Campground near Mount Beauty to the summit of Mount Hotham....

View event
Two Bays Trail Run

Two Bays Trail Run

Not confirmed: family participation.

17 Jan 2027

Permien Street, Dromana VIC, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event 28 km56 km Trail

Two Bays Trail Run. Great holiday vibe and multi-faceted course between Dromana on the Port Phillip Bay side and Cape Schanck on the Bass Strait side. That's a...

View event
The 5K Foam Fest: West Melbourne

The 5K Foam Fest: West Melbourne

Not confirmed: family participation.

23 Jan 2027

St Anne's Winery, Myrniong, VIC, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event 5 km

The 5K Foam Fest: West Melbourne is a thrilling 5K obstacle course fun run set for Saturday, January 23, 2027, at St Anne's Winery in Myrniong, VIC, Australia.Expect...

View event
Sponsored Sponsored advertisement for Pace Athletic
Sponsored Sponsored advertisement for Pace Athletic
The 5K Foam Fest - West Melbourne

The 5K Foam Fest - West Melbourne

Not confirmed: family participation.

23 Jan 2027

Myrniong, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event 5 km

The 5K Foam Fest – West Melbourne is a foam-filled obstacle course fun run taking place at St Anne’s Winery in Myrniong on Saturday, 23 January 2027. Participants...

View event
Kilcunda Half Marathon and Fun Runs

Kilcunda Half Marathon and Fun Runs

Not confirmed: family participation.

31 Jan 2027

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event 5 km10 km17 km21 km Trail

Kilcunda Half Marathon and Fun Runs is a coastal running event held in the Kilcunda area, with distances suitable for both serious runners and casual participants. Publicly available...

View event
Kilcunda Trail Running Festival

Kilcunda Trail Running Festival

Not confirmed: family participation.

31 Jan 2027

Kilcunda, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event 5 km10 km17 km21 km Trail

Kilcunda Trail Running Festival is a coastal trail-running event in Kilcunda on Victoria’s Bass Coast, featuring scenic courses across grassy slopes, sandy beaches, clifftops overlooking the Southern Ocean...

View event
Sunset Series - Melbourne Zoo

Sunset Series - Melbourne Zoo

Not confirmed: family participation.

03 Feb 2027

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event 4.7 km7.7 km From $54.00 / entry

Sunset Series – Melbourne Zoo is a twilight fun run and walk held on Wednesday, 3 February 2027, as the opening event in Melbourne’s annual Sunset Series. Participants...

View event
Maribyrnong Valley Park Back Yard Ultra

Maribyrnong Valley Park Back Yard Ultra

Not confirmed: family participation.

05 Feb 2027 – 08 Feb 2027

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event

The Maribyrnong Valley Park Back Yard Ultra is a last-one-standing trail running challenge held in Melbourne, with runners completing a 6.7-kilometre loop every hour until only one competitor...

View event
MVP Backyard Ultra (Maribyrnong Valley Park)

MVP Backyard Ultra (Maribyrnong Valley Park)

Not confirmed: family participation.

05 Feb 2027 – 08 Feb 2027

Keilor, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event From $100.00 / entry

MVP Backyard Ultra is a multi-day backyard ultra held at Brimbank Park in Keilor. The event begins on Friday, 5 February 2027, and is organised by TrailsPlus. Runners...

View event
Run for Respect

Run for Respect

Not confirmed: family participation.

07 Feb 2027

Ikon Park, Royal Parade, Carlton North VIC, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event 0.4 km3 km5 km10 km

Join the Carlton Football Club and the wider Carlton community to Run for Respect! The Run for Respect is a fun run event supporting the awareness and fundraising...

View event
Flying Brick Bellarine Sunset Run

Flying Brick Bellarine Sunset Run

Not confirmed: family participation.

13 Feb 2027

Portarlington, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event 4 km10.5 km

The Flying Brick Bellarine Sunset Run is an annual summer running event on the Bellarine Peninsula, bringing together runners, walkers, families and friends for a scenic coastal challenge....

View event
Sponsored Sponsored advertisement for Vivobarefoot Australia
10% off your First Order · Use code VIVO10 Get offer
Sponsored Sponsored advertisement for Vivobarefoot Australia
10% off your First Order · Use code VIVO10 Get offer
Melbourne Pride Run

Melbourne Pride Run

Not confirmed: family participation.

14 Feb 2027

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event 3.8 km7.6 km $55.00 / entry

Melbourne Pride Run is a community running and walking event celebrating pride, fitness and inclusion in Melbourne. It offers a choice of a 3.8 km one-lap route or...

View event
Gumbuya World Running Festival

Gumbuya World Running Festival

Not confirmed: family participation.

14 Feb 2027

Tynong North, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event 2 km5 km10 km

Gumbuya World Running Festival is a community road-running event in Tynong North, Victoria, offering 2km, 5km and 10km distances. With options for different ages and abilities, the festival...

View event
Sunset Series - Princes Park

Sunset Series - Princes Park

Not confirmed: family participation.

17 Feb 2027

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event 4 km8 km From $45.00 / entry

Sunset Series – Princes Park is a summer evening running event held at Princes Park in Carlton North, Melbourne, on Wednesday, 17 February 2027. It is the second...

View event
Hut 2 Hut Trail Festival

Hut 2 Hut Trail Festival

Not confirmed: family participation.

19 Feb 2027 – 21 Feb 2027

Mount Buller, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event 8 km10 km23 km48 km50 km Trail Kids activities available

Experience the inaugural Hut 2 Hut Trail Festival at Mount Buller from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 February 2027. Bringing runners, trekkers, supporters and the wider trail community...

View event
The Lalas 23K

The Lalas 23K

Not confirmed: family participation.

20 Feb 2027

Mount Buller Alpine Village, VIC, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event 23 km

Join The Lalas 23K, a challenging trail run slightly longer than a half marathon, taking place as part of the Hut 2 Hut Trail Festival. This event features...

View event
Hut 2 Hut Festival Night Run

Hut 2 Hut Festival Night Run

Not confirmed: family participation.

20 Feb 2027

Mount Buller Alpine Village, VIC, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event 8 km

Discover the brand new **Night Run** at the Hut 2 Hut Trail Festival, taking place on Saturday, February 20, 2027.This thrilling 8km course explores fresh trails with some...

View event
Run the Lighthouse

Run the Lighthouse

Not confirmed: family participation.

20 Feb 2027

Wilsons Promontory, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event 6 km21 km42 km50 km75 km Trail

Run the Lighthouse is a trail-running event starting at Tidal River in Wilsons Promontory National Park, Victoria. Held on Saturday, 20 February 2027, it offers five distance options:...

View event
Carman's Fun Run

Carman's Fun Run

Not confirmed: family participation.

21 Feb 2027

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event 5 km10 km21.1 km Road & paved paths

Carman’s Fun Run is a community running event in Melbourne that brings together participants of all abilities for a lively morning of fitness and fundraising. The event offers...

View event
Port Fairy Marathon & Community Running Festival

Port Fairy Marathon & Community Running Festival

Not confirmed: family participation.

21 Feb 2027

Port Fairy, Victoria, Australia

Running Race or organised distance event 1.5 km5 km10 km21.1 km42.2 km Road & paved paths

Port Fairy Marathon & Community Running Festival returns to Port Fairy on Sunday, 21 February 2027, offering a choice of distances for runners of all ages and abilities....

View event

Discounts

Sports Avenue 10% Off Storewide & FREE shipping Ends · Use code KEEPACTIVE opens a new window Emrald Labs $169 in savings with the Ultimate Deal 4.0 opens a new window Fila 30% Off New Season Footwear Ends opens a new window Neat Feat Buy one Action Cream, get the second half price Ends opens a new window See all discounts

List your event on KeepActive

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a fun run and a competitive race?
Fun runs emphasize participation and community over competition. No time pressure, mixed ages and abilities, often festive atmosphere. Competitive races focus on performance, split participants by ability, have official timing and prizes. Fun runs are perfect for first-timers and families; competitive races suit experienced runners chasing times. Many events offer both formats.

Are fun runs timed or just for participation?
It varies. Many fun runs offer optional timing—you can race for time or just participate. Check your specific event details. Even when timed, fun runs rarely have pace cutoffs or time limits. The emphasis is on finishing together as a community. If you want zero pressure, choose events that explicitly market themselves as non-competitive.

What's a good pace for a fun run?
Fun runs have no 'good' pace—any pace that gets you to the finish is perfect. Walk, jog, run, or a mix—it's entirely up to you. Many fun runs have people of all fitness levels, so there's no pressure to keep up with anyone else. Enjoy the event, high-five other participants, and celebrate crossing the finish line.

What's the best way to get to events in Melbourne using public transport?
Melbourne's trains, trams and buses serve many event venues, but the best option depends on the exact start area and time. Browse events in Melbourne, check the event listing for its meeting point, then use the PTV journey planner to confirm services and planned disruptions. Allow extra time when large events affect roads or public transport.

What are popular running routes around Melbourne?
Melbourne running routes range from flatter paths beside the Yarra River and around Albert Park Lake to coastal routes and hillier trails in the Dandenong Ranges. Browse running events in Melbourne and check each listing for the actual start point, surface, distance and elevation; the route name alone does not indicate how accessible or challenging a course will be.

What should I prepare for Melbourne's unpredictable weather during events?
Melbourne is famous for variable weather—you can experience four seasons in one day. For events, wear layers you can remove or add. Choose moisture-wicking base layers in case of rain. Carry a light rain jacket in your bag. Morning events may be cool; afternoon can warm up quickly. Check the forecast the day before and be flexible. Waterproof sunscreen and a cap help in any conditions.

Where are events typically held in Melbourne?
Melbourne events use city precincts, sports venues, local parks, coastal areas and hillier locations such as the Dandenong Ranges. Popular settings include trails beside the Yarra and Melbourne parks. Browse events in Melbourne and check each listing for its exact venue, terrain and transport arrangements.

When's the best time of year for outdoor events in Melbourne?
Autumn (March-May) and early winter (June-August) are ideal—cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and often dry. Spring (September-November) can be unpredictable weather-wise. Summer (December-February) is hot and best suited for early-morning events. Most popular marathon season is autumn. If you prefer mild conditions, aim for April-June events in Melbourne.

What's the running culture like in Melbourne?
Melbourne has a strong running community: Parkrun (free, weekly timed 5K runs in parks, very popular), many running clubs and meetup groups, and a thriving road race calendar. The city values accessibility and inclusivity—most events welcome all abilities. Community events are huge, with festival atmospheres. It's a very runner-friendly city with excellent local expertise.

Are Melbourne courses mostly flat or hilly?
It's mixed. CBD and inner-suburb courses (Albert Park, Yarra River, Southbank) are mostly flat. Dandenong Ranges events are hilly and challenging. Coastal suburbs and outer-city events vary. Most events specify their elevation profile in the listing. If you're training for a specific course, review the elevation gain beforehand. 'Flat' doesn't exist in Victoria—expect some undulation.

Any safety considerations for Melbourne events?
Key hazards: tram lines in CBD routes (watch for them), wet/slippery paths in rain (shoes with good grip are crucial), uneven terrain in parks and trails, and variable weather. Bondi's coastal cliffs (not Melbourne, but coastal awareness applies). Run with lights or bright gear if starting/finishing in darkness. Check your route beforehand and note any hazardous sections.

Do I have to run the exact distance listed in the event?
Each event sets its own rules. Some allow you to run, walk, or jog the distance. Others accept modified distances or allow you to split the activity across multiple days. Check the event details for specific requirements.