Biggest Fun Runs in Australia

There's so much choice when it comes to selecting a fun run in Australia, so we've created a list of the biggest ones for you to plan your year around.

1. The City2Surf in Sydney - 9 August 2026
   From small beginnings in 1971 with 2,000 entrants, this event is the World's largest fun run, attracting around 80,000 entrants each year. Run or walk 14km from Hyde Park to Bondi Beach.
2. Melbourne Marathon Festival - 12 October 2025
   This event attracted over 42,000 participants in 2024 across all distances: the 5km & 10km Fun Run/Walks, 21.1km Half Marathon and the 42.195km Melbourne Marathon, and the Wheelchair Marathon.
3. Sydney Marathon - 31 August 2025
   A choice of 4.2km and 10km fun runs, 21.1km half marathon or 42.2km marathon, with all events going over the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There were around 38,000 participants across all distances in 2024.
4. HBF Run for a Reason in Perth - 24 May 2026
   There are 4km & 12km fun runs and a 21.1km half marathon at this event which raises money for their charity partners. There were around 40,000 entrants across all distances in 2025.
5. Bridge to Brisbane - 14 September 2025
   Queensland's biggest fun run with 5km & 10km distances, this event had around 30,000 participants in 2024. Run from Roma Street Parklands or Captain Burke Park to Southbank.
6. Run for the Kids - 2026 TBC
   This event in Melbourne raises funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal and had more than 28,000 entrants across all distances in 2025.
7. Gold Coast Marathon - 4 - 5 July 2026
   There's something for everyone at this event with shorter distances on Saturday and longer ones on Sunday, attracting over 26,000 entrants across all distances. The marathon has distinguished itself as one of the most prestigious marathons in the world.
8. Runaway Sydney (Sydney Half Marathon) - 3 May 2026
   The Sydney Half Marathon is on an iconic course taking participants past the beautiful sights of Sydney's harbourside. It attracted 25,000 athletes across all distances in 2025.
9. City Bay Fun Run in Adelaide - 21 September 2025
   South Australia's largest fun run attracts around 25,000 people over its 3km, 6km, 12km or 21.1km distances starting from various points in Adelaide and all finishing at Glenelg
10. Run Melbourne - 12 July 2026
    With 5.2km & 10km fun runs and a Half Marathon this event attracts around 20,000 entrants across all distances each year.