2025 Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run

What’s happening and when?

The Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run is a fun run from Commonwealth Park around Lake Burley Griffin to raise money for Hands Across Canberra.

The run will take place on Monday 10 March 2025 with races commencing as follows:

• 10km - 8am
• 5km - 8:15am
• 2.5km Family Walk - 8:30am

How much is it?

• 10km - $45.00
• 5km - $35.00
• 2.5km Family Walk - $15.00 per person

Is there a minimum age?

• 10km - 13 years
• 5km and 2.5km: There is no minimum age. All children under the age of 11 must be accompanied by a guardian. The child’s guardian must be entered in the event.

Where is it happening?

The event will take place from Stage 88, Commonwealth Park.

Are there cut off times?

Yes. The cut-off time for the event is 11.30am - Monday 10 March 2025.

Can I enter on the day?

No. You must register for this event by Sunday 9 March 2025 at 5pm.

What's happening in the park after the race?

After your run or walk in Commonwealth Park, celebrate your success and Canberra’s birthday with family fun, a food and makers market, and a celebration of all things Canberra!

How do I collect my race bib?

Participants who register in the 5km or 10km races before midnight on the 3rd March 2025 can collect their bibs from the Canberra Region Visitors Centre from Monday 4 - Sunday 9 March (optional). Collection times are from 9am - 4pm daily. Please present your email confirmation with name/number to collect. Multiple bibs can be collected. Remaining bibs can be collected on event day.

Can I collect my race bib on the morning of the event?

Participants in the 5km or 10km races who register after the 3rd March 2025 can collect their bib on race day in Commonwealth Park near the start/finish line from 7:30am.

Please allow additional time to collect and be race-ready for your start.

What should I do with my race bib/timing tag after the race?

The timing tag on your race bib may be kept or disposed of after the race.

Can I leave my gear anywhere / will there be a gear drop?

There will be no baggage service available. All participants are encouraged to carry necessary personal items on them.

How can I get to / from the event?

Parking for the public is available at several car parks within proximity to the Commonwealth Park site, including:

• Long Stay, Regatta Point
• Short Stay, Regatta Point
• Marion parking spaces, Regatta Point / Bus/Coach Parking, Regatta Point
• West Basin, North Bay
• West Basin, South Bay
• Barrine Drive
• Civic Pool
• Constitution Avenue

Accessible Parking is available at Regatta Place.

Please note: Parking at Regatta Place is limited, and the carpark will close once it is filled.

We encourage fun run participants to park at the Civic Pool and use the foot bridge over Parkes Way to the event.

Please plan ahead and allow plenty of travel time as congestion and delays are possible.

Will there be toilets open on the course?

Toilets will be available at the start and finish line, as well as public toilets available around the course.

Are there prizes on offer?

All participants of the 10km and 5km will receive a finisher medal on completion of their race. Participants of the 2.5km will receive a CBR badge.

Are pets allowed?

No pets are allowed at this event.

Health message:

We highly recommend familiarising yourself with our health and medical reminders and tips.

Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a first-time runner we want to ensure the run is a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

The temperature for the Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run is expected to reach 26 degrees, As such, it is important to take necessary precautions in these warm conditions to avoid heatstroke (link) OR this link . Here are some valuable reminders:

• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat and generously applying sunscreen.
• Stay hydrated throughout the race to prevent heat-related issues. We recommend that you bring your own water bottle.
• On-course water fountains are available, and an additional water station will be set up at Rond Terrace.

All participants are advised to not attempt running the entire race without properly hydrating.

If you begin to feel unwell during the race, listen to your body and consider slowing down or stopping. Seek assistance from one of our volunteers, stationed at various points along the course, or notify individuals at the start and finish lines to summon first aid on your behalf.

For your own well-being and the safety of others, please adhere to the following guidelines:

• Refrain from participating if you've recently experienced a viral infection (e.g., cold, influenza, COVID-19, gastroenteritis) within the week leading up to the event. We encourage you to plan for future participation in 2026.
• If you've recently undergone treatment for a serious illness within the three months preceding the Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run, consider scheduling a pre-race medical check-up.
• Prioritise a balanced carbohydrate-rich breakfast on race day and ensure adequate hydration by increasing fluid intake 24 hours prior to the start.
• Dress comfortably in suitable running attire and footwear.
• Maintain a pace consistent with your training and fitness regimen.
• Please refrain from using music devices or similar distractions during the Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run. Given the large turnout of participants, it's essential to remain attentive to your surroundings to prevent accidents or injury to yourself and others.

This event is hosted by the ACT Government

Please note there are no transfers or refunds for this event.

Waiver Agreement for Participation in the Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run:

• I acknowledge that participating in the Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run event is potentially hazardous, and thus, I should only enter and participate if I am medically able and adequately trained.
• in consideration of my entry being accepted, I assume full and complete responsibility for any injury or accident that may occur during the event or while I am within the event premises.
• I understand that there are no refunds and/or transfers for this event.
• I am aware of and assume all risks associated with participating in the event, including but not limited to falls, interaction with other participants, effects of weather, traffic, and conditions of the road/trail.
• I accept full responsibility for securing travel and personal medical insurance and for the payment and/or reimbursement of medical/surgical expenses incurred due to my participation in the event.
• I, on behalf of myself and my successors, hereby waive, release, and forever discharge the event organisers, sponsors, promoters, their agents, representatives, successors, assigns, and all other individuals associated with the event from any liabilities, claims, actions, or damages that may arise in connection with my attendance at and participation in the event.
• I also agree to comply with all instructions and directions given by officials, marshals, police officers, emergency or rescue staff. I understand that this waiver includes any claims resulting from negligence, actions or inactions of the aforementioned parties, or any other cause.
• I grant full permission to any and all of the aforementioned parties to utilise any photographs, video tapes, motion pictures, website images, recordings, or any other record of this event.
• I understand that all entries are non-refundable for participants who do not start or finish the event.
• In the event that the event course is deemed unsafe by the event organizers due to factors such as heavy rain, flood, high winds, bushfires, or other unforeseen circumstances, the organizers may, at their sole discretion, attempt to alter the course, establish an alternative shortened course, or cancel the event.
• The organisers reserve the right to cancel, alter the route, or shorten the event for any other reason, including but not limited to environmental concerns, terrorism, or war. In the event of cancellation, rerouting, or shortening, no refunds will be issued.
• Due to the logistical challenges and commitments of participants, it may not be feasible to reschedule the event to another weekend.
• By registering for this event, you consent to the Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run to provide your details, including medical history and emergency contact information, to our designated Medical Provider.
• By registering for this event, you consent to the medical provider providing the Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run with your medical incident report form or incident report in full.
• There are no refunds or transfers for this event. No exceptions.

Health message:

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants, whether you're a seasoned athlete or a first-time runner, we highly recommend familiarising yourself with our health and medical tips.

As the temperature for the Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run is expected to reach 26 degrees, it's crucial to take necessary precautions for these conditions. Here are some important reminders:

• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat and generously applying sunscreen.
• Stay hydrated throughout the race by utilising our water stations to prevent heat-related issues. It's advisable not to attempt running the entire race without hydrating, particularly for amateur runners. We encourage you to bring your own water bottle.
• If you begin to feel unwell during the race, listen to your body and consider slowing down or stopping. Seek assistance from one of our volunteers, stationed at various points along the course, or notify individuals at the start and finish lines to summon first aid on your behalf.

For your own well-being and the safety of others, please adhere to the following guidelines:

• Refrain from participating if you've recently experienced a viral infection (e.g., cold, influenza, COVID-19, gastroenteritis) within the week leading up to the event. We encourage you to plan for future participation in 2025.
• If you've recently undergone treatment for a serious illness within the three months preceding the Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run, consider scheduling a pre-race medical check-up.
• Prioritise a balanced carbohydrate-rich breakfast on race day and ensure adequate hydration by increasing fluid intake 24 hours prior to the start.
• Dress comfortably in suitable running attire and footwear.
• Maintain a pace consistent with your training regimen.

Please refrain from using music devices or similar distractions during the Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run. Given the large turnout of participants, it's essential to remain attentive to your surroundings to prevent accidents or injury to yourself and others.

Hands Across Canberra is Canberra’s independent community foundation. Founded in 2010 by a group of Canberra leaders with the idea of creating a foundation to help fellow Canberrans and give back to the community, it now works with more than 350 local community organisations.

• We raise funds for Canberra’s most vulnerable people.
• We invest the money to make it grow
• We give it back in grants.

Community foundations are about giving where you live, for the long-term benefit and enhancement of a community.

Canberra is the most generous community in Australia. With your help, big or small, we can make a lasting, transformative difference for all our neighbours and friends right here where we live.