Puffing Billy Running Festival 2026

Puffing Billy Running Festival

Day one of the Festival will feature a 1.5km Kids Dash and a 5km Family Fun Run / Walk on Saturday 12 September at Emerald Lake Park, with the echoing toots and puffs of Puffing Billy propelling all participants forward!

Then, on Sunday 13 September, up to 3,000 participants take on the challenge of a lifetime, racing against two steam locomotives from Belgrave to Emerald in the heart-pounding 13.5 km 'Classic' Run.

ALL ABOARD!

Spectators looking to cheer on runners can embark on an unforgettable journey themselves, hopping aboard the iconic Puffing Billy and potentially even surpassing the racing runners!

The state-of-the-art Puffing Billy Lakeside Visitor Centre within Emerald Lake Park hosts the Festival's Finish Zone precinct with free massages, family entertainment, music and sponsor activities.

Proceeds from the Festival help fund essential heritage restoration projects at Puffing Billy Railway.

puffingbillyrunningfestival.com.au

SATURDAY 12 SEPTEMBER: FAMILY FUN AT EMERALD LAKE PARK

The Festival's first day is a fun family affair, with the 1.5km Kids Dash and 5km Family Fun Run starting and finishing within the Emerald Lake Park precinct at the Puffing Billy Lakeside Visitor Centre.

The star of the show - Puffing Billy - will be whistling away as our young participants and families give their all on each course - and are rewarded with a medal at the finish line!

Make the most of the day by enjoying family-friendly activities, roving entertainment at Lakeside Visitor Centre, or bringing a picnic to the park.

SUNDAY 13 SEPTEMBER: RACE THE ICON

Steeped in history, up to 2,500 runners will take on the challenging 13.5km 'Classic' as they race against two mighty steam locomotives from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park.

The rolling hills of the Dandenong Ranges will come alive as participants wind their way through Selby, Menzies Creek and Emerald before meeting Puffing Billy at the Lakeside finish line.

Participants may opt to purchase a train return ticket or jump on the FREE shuttle bus back to the Belgrave start line.

There are a total of six rail crossings along the route and competitors MUST give way to Puffing Billy under instruction from race officials.

The courses - combined with the sounds and steam of the two competing race trains and the railway crossings - provide one of the most challenging spectacular fun run locations in Australia.

CUP FREE: YES PLEASE!

As we strive to improve our environmental stewardship, the Puffing Billy Running Festival is going 'cup-free' for our 13.5km Classic this year.

What this means is that you can bring your own drink bottle, collapsible cup or hydration flask or you can purchase a Puffing Billy branded collapsible cup during registration for a small fee. We will have water stations at Menzies Creek Fire Station, Emerald and the Finish Line.

The message about the use of single use cups came through as the number #1 feedback topic from the past two Running Festivals that our runners wanted us to look into a better way. This will us all help to reduce the use of 18,000 single-use plastic cups per festival. Wow!