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The Big Melbourne Kilt Run - on The Tan

a community fun run in support of the Heart Foundation

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

Register by 23rd Febraury to guarantee a race bib with timing chip. Non timed registrations will remain open until sold out.

KILTS AREN’T ESSENTIAL … anything tartan goes! Let’s make it a fun day!

Enjoy a morning run, jog or walk on The Tan. The iconic walking/running track loops around the perimeter of the Royal Botanic Gardens. It’s the perfect way to spend a Sunday morning with family and friends in support of the Heart Foundation.

The event is open to all fitness levels, from elite athletes to family groups. Enter solo or as a team. First three placegetters in each category will receive a Kilt Runner medal and a Certificate, available to download from the Tomato Timing website post event. Children’s participation certificates will be available.

Register Here

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

When you register you’ll receive an email with a link to the Heart Foundation Kilt Runners fundraising website. You’ll be able to set up your own fundraising page to share with family & friends so they can sponsor you. Every dollar you raise will go direct to the Heart Foundation.

Heart disease in Australia claims 79 lives every day. That’s a sobering statistic. By taking up the ‘Kilt Runners’ challenge to fundraise, you’ll be supporting Heart Foundation’s life-changing heart research, health professionals working to prevent, diagnose and treat heart disease, and provide heart-healthy programs and resources for everyday Australians. You can make a difference!

set up your kilt runners fundraising page HERE

Then click on the red kilt runners tab in the grey top bar to set up your page.

Donate to Heart Foundation Here

Race day information

Check-in marquee 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, Highland Dancers and the sound of bagpipes!

CHECK-IN, BAG DROP & RACE BIB COLLECTION - *All times are subject to change & TBC closer to the event date.

8.30am - 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

Photographers will be on hand to capture your moment as you cross the finish line!

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!

Check-in from 8.30 - 10.00am

The check-in marquee will be located close to the Pillars of Wisdom, Alexandra Parade.

BAG DROP 8.30 - 10am

The bag drop marquee will be next to the check-in marquee near the Pillars of Wisdom. You will use the tear-off strip on your race bib to attach to your bag. You must present your race bib at bag pick-up. *Please note - participants are fully responsible for their belongings. Do not leave valuables.

Water fountains

A drinking fountain and water bottle refill is located at The Pillars of Wisdom and numerous drinking fountains can be found around The Tan course. A water station will be available at the finish line.

TOILETS

Public toilets are located close by in the Myer Music Bowl and inside the Anderson Street entry of the Royal Botanic Gardens and throughout the Kings Domain gardens. Toilet Map: