Perth Running Festival 2026: the key facts
The Perth Running Festival 2026 is on Sunday 11 October 2026, with courses through Burswood Park and along the Swan River and a finish inside Optus Stadium. Four distances run on the day, from a 4km dash to the full marathon, and all of them finish on the stadium’s big screen.
If you’ve got a bib, this guide covers what to expect on the day. If you missed out, there’s a waitlist, and plenty of reasons to come down and cheer anyway.
- Date: Sunday 11 October 2026
- Where: Burswood Park, finishing inside Optus Stadium, Burswood
- Distances: 4km Dash, 10km Walk or Run, Half Marathon (21.1km), Marathon (42.2km)
- Entries: all distances listed as sold out, with a free waitlist
- Charity partner: Telethon
- Organiser: the marathon is the 47th Perth Marathon, run by the West Australian Marathon Club
Information checked October 2026.
What is the Perth Running Festival?
The Perth Running Festival is an annual road running event in Burswood, across the Swan River from the Perth CBD. The West Australian Marathon Club’s 2026 programme lists it as the home of the 47th Perth Marathon.
It’s also a serious race for those who want one. According to the official Race Roster registration page, the marathon is the official 2026 State Marathon Championship for WA, the marathon, half and 10km are AIMS-accredited courses, and the marathon counts towards the AbbottWMM age group world rankings.
But you don’t need to chase a ranking to enjoy it. The organisers describe the courses as super flat, and the 4km and 10km are pitched at first-timers, families and walkers as much as runners.
Which distance is which?
Here’s how the four events compare, using entry prices and age limits from Race Roster and cut-offs from the official event pages.
| Event | Entry (adult) | Minimum age | Cut-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marathon (42.2km) | $195 | 18 | 7 hours |
| Half Marathon (21.1km) | $155 | 16 | Check event guide |
| 10km Walk or Run | $70 | 12 | 2 hours 30 min |
| 4km Dash | $45 | None listed | None listed |
Regional, interstate and international entrants were offered a discounted rate, and children aged 15 and under get discounted pricing in the shorter events.
The marathon
The marathon page describes a fast, flat course through Burswood Park with Swan River views. There are 13 aid stations between 4.6km and 41.5km, offering water, Gatorade and LVL UP Gel at various points (distances may change). Entry includes a bib, finisher’s medal and finisher’s shirt.
The 10km Walk or Run
The 10km course loops around the river and through Burswood Park before finishing in the stadium. There are three water stations, at 2.7km, 5.5km and 7.9km, each with toilets. The 2 hour 30 minute cut-off means walkers are welcome.
The 4km Dash
The 4km starts and finishes at Optus Stadium and is aimed at families, friends and first-time walkers or runners.
Is the Perth Running Festival sold out?
Yes. As of early October 2026, all four distances show as sold out on the official festival website. Race Roster runs a free waitlist for every distance, and spots offered to waitlisted runners go out first come, first served.
If you join the waitlist, keep an eye on your email in race week. Race Roster also lists race transfers, so registered runners who can’t make it can hand their entry on through the official system rather than swapping bibs privately.
Getting to Optus Stadium on race day
Public transport is the way to go. The Optus Stadium event page says public transport is free for event participants, and event parking at Belmont Park is strictly limited.
- Plan your trip with the Transperth event journey planner, especially if you need an early train.
- Expect significant road closures around the stadium on the morning. The festival website publishes the full closure list and times.
How to prepare in race week
Race week is about arriving rested, not cramming in last-minute kilometres. A few practical things help:
- Collect your bib. Check the official race bib collection page for 2026 dates, times and location. You must wear your bib on course.
- Check the start times. Each distance has its own start, so read the 2026 event guide for yours and work backwards to your alarm.
- Watch the weather. October mornings in Perth can warm up fast. Check the Bureau of Meteorology Perth forecast the day before and dress for the finish, not the start line.
- Nothing new on race day. Run in shoes, socks and gels you’ve already tested. If you need a race belt, gels or a cap, the Perth Running Clubs shop has race-day basics.
- Fuel early. Have a familiar breakfast a couple of hours before your start, and sip water rather than chugging it.
Running for Telethon
Telethon is the festival’s charity partner. Money raised goes to 147 beneficiaries supporting sick, vulnerable and disadvantaged children in WA, including hospital equipment and services for children with disabilities. You can sign up to fundraise on the festival’s Telethon fundraising page, even if you’re only doing the 4km.
Missed out? Here’s what to do next
Join the waitlist, then find a group to train with for the next one. Perth’s social run clubs are free or low cost and welcome every pace. Our Perth run club directory lists clubs from Cottesloe to Kings Park, and our runners’ guides cover training, gear and upcoming events.
The West Australian Marathon Club also has more road races before the end of the year, starting with the Wally Cairns Pancake Run in Kings Park on 18 October.
Perth Running Festival 2026 FAQs
When is the Perth Running Festival 2026?
It’s on Sunday 11 October 2026. All four races start and finish around Burswood Park and Optus Stadium. Check the official event guide for your distance’s start time.
Can I still enter the Perth Running Festival?
All distances are listed as sold out. You can join the free waitlist on Race Roster, and places that become available are offered first come, first served.
Can I walk the 10km?
Yes. The event is the Perth Now 10km Walk or Run, and the cut-off is 2 hours 30 minutes, which suits most walkers.
Is there parking at Optus Stadium?
Event parking at Belmont Park is strictly limited, and roads around the stadium are closed on race morning. Public transport is free for participants and is the recommended option.
Is the Perth Marathon a qualifier or championship?
The 2026 marathon is the official WA State Marathon Championship. The course is AIMS accredited and the race counts towards AbbottWMM age group world rankings.
What’s the minimum age for each race?
Race Roster lists 18 for the marathon, 16 for the half marathon and 12 for the 10km. No minimum age is listed for the 4km Dash, which is pitched at families.
See you at the stadium
From the 4km Dash to the full marathon, the Perth Running Festival is one of the best days on the Perth running calendar. Check the official festival website for start times and bib collection, then find your next crew in the Perth run club directory.
