Puffing Billy Running Festival
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Puffing Billy Running Festival
The Puffing Billy Running Festival takes place on 12 and 13 September 2026 in the Dandenong Ranges, centred on Emerald Lake Park and the Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park course. Entries open 18 June at 11:00am.
Event programs include multiple running options:
- 1.5 km Junior Dash
- 5 km Family Fun Run
- 13.5 km Classic from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park
The festival features a race element alongside the Puffing Billy steam train on the classic mountain route. Timing and results are electronic. Participants receive a finisher medal and finisher certificate. On-site services listed for the event include bag drop, drink stations (cup free in 2026), on course first aid, and on course road closures. Family entertainment is provided at the finish area and on-course photography is available for purchase.
Transport options mentioned for the event include an optional return locomotive journey back to the start for purchase and a free return bus shuttle. The festival is managed by the team at SingleTrack Events. Proceeds from the festival support heritage restoration projects at Puffing Billy Railway.
About the railway: Puffing Billy Railway was built in 1900, is a century old not for profit steam railway, and runs the original 24 kilometre mountain track between Belgrave and Gembrook. It operates daily except Christmas Day with support from over 300 volunteers. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
