The Big Melbourne Kilt Run - on The Tan

WHEN: SUNDAY 15TH MARCH 2026

RUN START TIME - 10.30AM (CHECK-IN 8.30AM -10.00Am TBC)

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

Whether you’re an elite athlete or someone who enjoys the healthy outdoors, we invite you to run, walk or roll Melbourne’s iconic Tan track, in the beautiful surrounds of Kings Domain Gardens in support of the Heart Foundation. The event is open to those of all fitness levels. Enter solo or gather a group of your family, friends, work colleagues, club, Clan or Pipe Band members and enter a team. The event participants will be officially timed and certificates with name and race time will be available for download after the event.

We’ve taken on a challenge to Do it for Heart!

We’re proudly supporting the Heart Foundation with the Big Melbourne Kilt Run on the Tan.
Heart disease in Australia claims 79 lives every day. By accepting the invitation to join the 'Kilt Runners' Challenge,  your efforts will help the Heart Foundation to transform Australia’s heart health by:   Funding life-changing heart research, supporting health professionals working to prevent, diagnose and treat heart disease, providing heart-healthy programs and resources for everyday Australians.
 
After you register, you’ll be sent an email with a no obligation invitation to join the 'kilt runner' challenge. The invitation will include a link to the Heart Foundation website to set up your own ‘kilt runners’ fundraising page, then share it with family and friends to sponsor you and help support the vital work of the Heart Foundation.

The ‘Happy Heart’ mascot, Highland Dancers and Pipers will be at The Tan for the event, so bring the family along for a fun morning. We’ll have more information soon about how you can support the Heart Foundation as a spectator.

Save on Early Bird Registration booked by 31st December 2025

Register here

More race day information here:

Make it a fun day and wear a kilt, some tartan or ‘Brave Heart’ face paint!

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 subject to change & TBC closer to the event 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.