FAQs
The Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run
The Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run is the highlight of the Canberra Day celebrations.
Held in Lennox Gardens, Yarralumla, it brings the Canberra community together to celebrate and support the city and its people.
When you take part in the fun run, your registration directly supports charities across Canberra through the work of Hands Across Canberra.
By partnering with Hands Across Canberra and Stromlo Running, the Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run directly supports people in need across our region. The event celebrates core Canberran values — community spirit, generosity, and coming together as one city.
The Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run will take place at Lennox Gardens, Yarralumla.
The course for the 5km and 10km run is along the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.
See the run course maps.
The Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run is on Monday 9 March 2026 from 7:30am to 11:30am.
The race start times are
8:00am - 10km
8:15am - 5km
From 7.30 am to 11.30 am, attendees can enjoy a range of food and family‑friendly activities as we celebrate the Canberra community and cheer on fun‑run participants. Activities include face painting, bubbles, and visits from local sports teams and mascots.
The Fun Run
The Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run will offer two distance options:
5km for those who would like to run or walk
10km for regular runners and the serious athletes
10km - $45.00
5km - $30.00
You must register to enter the Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run by 4:00pm Sunday 8 March 2026.
Yes! You can create a team in Race Roster as part of your registration. You can select team and register each participant through Race Roster.
All participants of the 10km and 5km will receive a finisher medal when they complete their race.
10km - runners must be 13 years and over
5km: There is no minimum age. All children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a guardian. The child’s guardian must be entered in the event.
All participants who register will receive a race bib.
Before the event:
You can collect your bib from the Canberra Region Visitors Centre from Monday 2 – Friday 6 March from 11am - 2pm each day. Please bring your email confirmation with name and bib number to collect. You may collect multiple bibs.
On the day:
You can collect your bib on race day from 7:30 am until the races begin.
Please allow extra time so you’re ready at the start line.
If you lose or damage your bib, you can purchase a replacement for $10 at the race‑day collection point.
No, you cannot transfer your entry to anyone else.
No. Because this event raises money for charity, refunds are not available.
Course photographers will be on site throughout the event. You can view and download the photos from the Events ACT website.
Getting There
Lennox Gardens is located on Flynn Drive in Yarralumla ACT.
Parking:
Kaye Street Car Park
Langton Cres Car Park
Parks Place West Car Park
King Edward Terrace Car Park
Questacon Car Park
Please be mindful that the northbound span of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge will close to all traffic (road and shared path users).
Please plan ahead and allow plenty of travel time as congestion and delays are possible.
Please be aware that construction work around the city may impact how you get to Lennox Gardens. For more information view the latest updates on Travel Impacts.
The nearest bus stops to Lennox Gardens are:
Albert Hall Commonwealth Ave Bus Stop
Commonwealth Av opp Albert Hall Bus Stop
Langton Cr after Newlands St Bus Stop
King Edward Tce National Library Bus Stop
The Treasury Building King Edward Tce Bus Stop
Please check the Transport Canberra website for the timetables for public holidays. Home - Transport Canberra (act.gov.au)
General
Yes. Toilets will be available in the main event village at Lennox Gardens, and additional public toilets are located along the course.
Yes! Families are warmly encouraged to join us for the Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run.
You’re welcome to run or walk the course and start Canberra Day with a fun, family‑friendly activity.
Yes. The entire course follows a concrete path, and the event village will be located on the grass at Lennox Gardens.
There are no stairs on the course.
No. Pet dogs are not permitted on course or in the event village.
Accredited assistance animals are welcome.
Yes, the following food & coffee is available for purchase at the event:
Juice Pod - Fresh juice + smoothies
Coffee Pop Ups
Crepes
Donuts
Yes!
Attendees are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks.
As this is a family friendly event, alcohol and glass bottles are not permitted.
There will be a selection of local vendors at the event for you to purchase coffee, food and drinks from.
Yes, there will be a first aid tent located within the event site visible from the start/finish lines.
In addition to the First Aid tent there will be a roving medic as well as medics on e-bikes monitoring the run routes.