The Big Melbourne Kilt Run - on The Tan

WHEN: SUNDAY 15TH MARCH 2026

RUN START TIME - 10.30AM (CHECK-IN 9.00AM -10.00AM)

WHERE: THE TAN TRACK - KINGS DOMAIN GARDENS, PILLARS OF WISDOM

make this a fun event & wear TARTAN - A KILT, RUNNING GEAR, SCARF, FACE PAINT! WE’LL HAVE A WEE PRIZE FOR THE BEST ADULT AND CHILD TARTAN OUTFITS

Gather your Clan, a team of work colleagues, friends & family for a fun morning of fresh air and exercise!

Run/jog/walk Melbourne’s iconic Tan track, better known as The Tan, in the beautiful surrounds of Kings Domain Gardens. Wear a kilt or an item of tartan.

You’ll be issued with a race BIB with timing chip and a personalised certificate with your finish time (downloaded after the event from the official timer’s website Tomato Timing https://www.tomatotiming.com.au).

Registration

SAVE ON ‘EARLY BIRD’ REGISTRATION BOOKED BY 30TH NOVEMBER 2025.

EARLY BIRD ADULT: 18yrs & over $35.00

  • adult ENTRY FROM 1ST DECEMBER 2025 - $45.00

early bird CHILD/TEEN: 10-17yrs $15.00. (Must be accompanied by an adult entrant)

  • CHILD/TEEN ENTRY FROM 1ST DECEMBER 2025 - $20.00

EARLY BIRD FAMILY: 2 Adults & 2 Children (10-17yrs) $95.00

  • FAMILY ENTRY FROM 1ST DECEMBER 2025 - $130.00

EARLY BIRD ADULT TEAMS: TEAM OF 4 - $120.00

  • adult TEAMS ENTRY FROM 1ST DECEMBER 2025 - $160.00

EARLY BIRD SCHOOL TEAM: TEAM OF 6 - $100.00 (Must provide written parental and school approval and be accompanied on the run by an adult supervisor).

Register HERE

Details

Registration located at The Pillars of Wisdom, Lawn 9 Kings Domain, The Tan Track, Melbourne (near the junction of Olympic Boulevard & Alexandra Avenue). Look for the inflatable Start/Finish Arch and the sound of bagpipes!

CHECK-IN, BAG DROP & RACE BIB COLLECTION - *ALL TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. TBC CLOSER TO THE DATE.

9.00am - 10.00am - Look for the Check-in/bag drop and BIB Collection marquees located close to the Pillars of Wisdom and the inflatable Start/Finish arch. Listen for the bagpipes, you can’t miss us!

GROUP LINE-Up: 10.00 - 10.30AM

Entrants will be divided into four groups. On arrival you will choose the most appropriate group for your ability.

o Group 1 -  Competitors U15 mins 

o Group 2 -  Competitors U20 mins

o Group 3  -  Competitors U30 mins

o Group 4 - Walkers & families

The Course

Refer to Course Map. The course is 3.827kms with markers every 250m. Run clockwise from the Pillars of Wisdom along the Tan Track. Head east along Alexandra Avenue with the Botanic Gardens on your right and keep the Yarra River to your left. Make a 90 degree turn up Anderson Street, bringing you just short of Domain Road. Then take a right turn, back onto the gravel Tan Track alongside Birdwood Avenue. You’ll pass the main entrance to the Gardens heading towards Linlithgow Avenue, with The Shrine of Remembrance on your left, and eventually back to Alexandra Avenue and across the finish line, completing the full lap. Keep the gardens on your right hand side all the way - we’ll have Course Marshals to guide you along the way!

DRINK STATION

Complimentary water will be available at the Start/Finish line. Numerous drinking fountains can be found around The Tan course.

TOILETS

Public toilets are conveniently located throughout the Royal Botanic Gardens and Kings Domain, including near the start/finish line of The Tan Track and inside the Anderson Street entry of the Royal Botanic Gardens. https://toiletmap.gov.au40401

FIRST AID

A first aid station will be located close to the Start/Finish line near the Pillars of Wisdom.

LOST CHILDREN

Report immediately at the Registration Marquee.

CALLING VOLUNTEERS! If you or someone you know would like to join our community volunteers to help out at The Big Mebourne Kilt Run, send your details and a brief CV to info@melbournetartanfestival.com.au You must hold a valid Working With Children card.