The YMCA Father’s Day Fun Run will be held on Sunday 2 September, 2018. Choose from two scenic routes around one of Melbourne’s best spots – the Tan.

Participants are staggered separately for both courses but everyone starts on Linlithgow Avenue (head to the Village, we’ll direct you from there!) and finishes in the amazing Alexandra Gardens at the Event Village. The YMCA Father’s Day Fun Run is an all-inclusive event. Anyone, of any age and ability, is welcome. The event is wheelchair accessible, and families can bring strollers and dogs, too.

Check out our course Training Guides to get you prepared for the day!

5km course

The 5km course kicks off at 9.30am. The course will start on road at Linlithgow Avenue and finish in Alexandra Gardens (Engineers Lawn) at the Event Village. Due to roadworks in Melbourne we are just confirming the specific course route and will be releasing this very soon.

10km course

The 10km course kicks off at 8.30am. As with the 5km course, 10km will start on road at Linlithgow Avenue and finish in Alexandra Gardens (Engineers Lawn) at the Event Village. Due to roadworks in Melbourne we are just confirming the specific course route and will be releasing this very soon.

Be sure to sign up before midnight Sunday 5 August 2018 to receive your early bird discount and save up to $30.

*Adult is 18 years and above, as at 2 September, 2018
**Child is 4-17 years of age, as at 2 September, 2018. It is free for children 0-3 to participate
***Additional children can be added to a Family ticket for $15 each

Online registrations close 12pm 31 August, 2018. Those looking to register after this time will need to arrive early on event day to register in person.

Your entry fee covers the costs of running the event including, but not limited to, signage, traffic management, and first aid. An additional transaction fee covers the processing administration of your entry – this is detailed in our FAQs under registration questions. All fundraising goes towards YMCA programs that build resilience in young people.

Train

The event is a short walk from Flinders Street Station. From the station, take the Swanston Street exit and head to your right toward the Arts Centre. Cross the road over the bridge to enter Alexandra Gardens. Event marshals will be present to direct you. You can also disembark at Richmond Station and walk up Swan Street to the start line.

Public transport route and timetable information can be found on the PTV website at ptv.vic.gov.au or by calling 1800 800 007.

Tram

Tram numbers 3, 5, 6, 8, 16, 64, 67 & 72 all travel down St Kilda Road. Disembark at the Arts Centre and cross the road to Alexandra Gardens.

Public transport route and timetable information can be found on the PTV website at ptv.vic.gov.au or by calling 1800 800 007.

Cycle

BYO lock! Bicycle parking available on Boathouse Drive, just near the Event Village in Alexandra Gardens. We cannot accept responsibility for bikes lost or stolen.

Car parking

Street car parking in the area can be limited, so think about car-pooling to the event and arrive early to guarantee a park.

We have partnered with Secure Parking to offer our runners a discounted $7 weekend parking at 300 Flinders Street Car Park. You will receive your promo code in your e-ticket after registering. Parking must be pre-booked online and paid for at least 30 mins BEFORE arriving at the car park.

Other options:

• Southgate (access from City Road or Southgate Avenue) is open 24hrs for a flat rate of $12
• Federation Square car park is open from 8am for a flat rate of $16
• Arts Centre car park is available for $21 on Sundays (disabled parking available)

Please be aware of the road closures due to the event and adhere to parking restrictions.

Access and mobility

There will be an accessible drop-off point on event day on St. Kilda Road in front of the Arts Centre. St. Kilda Road Service lane south bound will be closed to traffic. Traffic wishing to use the accessible drop-off point are best to approach from north bound lanes on St Kilda Road.

Disabled parking is available at the Arts Centre car park.

Road Closures

It is recommended that all motorists avoid roads in the surrounding area including Birdwood Avenue, Linlithgow Avenue and St Kilda Road (Service Lane) from 4:30am to 1:00pm. Where possible, catch public transport, walk or ride to the event.

Most roads on the course will be closed from 4.30am until about 12.00pm.

The YMCA Father’s Day Fun Run is one massive celebration! After venturing around the course, spend the rest of morning in the Event Village where you’ll find the best family fun in town.

This year’s Event Village will include:

• YMCA Children’s Programs and Youth Services activities
• Recovery stations
• Petting zoo
• Photobooths
• Bubble Soccer
• Parent Pod
• MYND Chill Zone
• Face painting
• Sponsor stalls and giveaways
• Thank you tent for all fundraisers
• Plenty of healthy food and drink options
• Live entertainment and spot prizes
• And much more!

Check out our blog for more, and stay tuned Facebook and Instagram to hear first about everything happening in the Event Village.

Dads and father figures play a vital role in helping build healthy relationships with the young people close to them. They teach them resilience by being supportive, affirming role models that prepare their children for challenges and adversity.

Unfortunately, some young people are not so lucky.

With one in four young people struggling with mental illnesses like depression and anxiety, building resilience is more important now than ever.

The YMCA Father’s Day Fun Run is raising funds to build resilience in our young people.

All money raised will go to school and camping based programs that build resilience and equip disadvantaged young people with strong social and emotional skills.

Learn more Donate

We’ve had some of our best personal trainers and fitness instructors put together two training guides to help you make the distance at this year’s event.

• 5km and 10km Training Guides for 2018 YMCA Father’s Day Fun Run