Event Overview

• What’s happening and when?
  The Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run will be held on Monday 9 March 2026 at Lennox Gardens District Park, raising money for Hands Across Canberra.

• Where is Lennox Gardens District Park?
  Located off Flynn Dr, Yarralumla.

Event Details

• What are the run distances and start times?

  • 10km – 8am

  • 5km – 8:15am

• How much is it?

  • 10km - $45.00

  • 5km - $35.00

• Is there a minimum age?

  • 10km: 13 years

  • 5km: No minimum age, but children under 13 must be accompanied by a guardian.

• Is this event suitable for kids and families?
  Yes! Families are welcome to join. You can walk or run the course together.

• Are there cut off times?
  Yes, race timing concludes at 11:30am, and participants must cross the finish line by then.

• Can I enter on the day?
  No, registrations close on Sunday 8 March at 4pm. No late registrations will be accepted.

Race Bib Collection

• How do I collect my race bib?
  Participants who register before 2 March 2026 can collect their race bibs from the Canberra Region Visitors Centre from 3-8 March, 9am - 4pm daily. If you register later or miss this period, collect your bib at the event site on race day from 7:30am.

• Can I collect my race bib on the morning of the event?
  Limited race-morning collection is available for 30 minutes before race start. Early collection is strongly recommended to avoid delays.

• What happens if I lose my race bib before the race?
  Please be mindful and ensure you have your bib. There are no replacement bibs on event day.

• What should I do with my race bib/timing tag after the race?
  You may keep or dispose of the timing tag on your race bib.

Results and Prizes

• How do I receive my results?
  Results will be sent to the email address used during registration.

• My finish time is incorrect, what do I do?
  Email hello@damselandsprout.com.au with your bib number and supporting proof. This must be submitted by 12:00pm on Thursday 12 March to be amended; otherwise, changes cannot be made.

• Are there prizes on offer?
  All participants will receive a finisher's medal upon completing the race.

Event Logistics

• Can I leave my gear anywhere / will there be a gear drop?
  No gear drop is available. Participants should carry personal items or leave them with family or friends.

• Can I transfer my entry to someone else?
  No, entries are non-transferable.

• Can my entry be refunded if I can no longer attend?
  No, as the event raises money for charity, refunds are not issued.

Getting to the Event

• How can I get to / from the event?

  • Driving: Various public car parks available (Alexandrina Dr, Kaye St, Old Parliament House, etc.). Expect potential traffic delays due to the Commonwealth Ave Bridge closure.

  • Public Transport: Nearest bus stops include Albert Hall Commonwealth Ave, Langton Cr, and King Edward Tce (National Library). Check Transport Canberra for updated routes and timetables.

• Accessibility:
  The course is on a concrete path with the event hub on the grass. There are no stairs along the course.

Event Amenities

• Will there be toilets open on the course?
  Yes, toilets will be available at the event hub and along the course.

• Will there be a photographer on site?
  Yes, event photography will be available, and photos can be accessed via the Events ACT website.

• Are pets allowed?
  Pets are not allowed on the course or in the event hub. Accredited assistance animals are welcome.

Food and Refreshments

• Is food available at the event?
  Yes, food and beverages are available at the event hub, including fresh juice, smoothies, coffee, crepes, donuts, bagels, and more!

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 be warm. Sometimes when people are having fun outside in the warm weather, they don't realise they're becoming overheated. As such, it is important to take necessary precautions to stay well during warm/hot weather to avoid heatstroke.

Protecting Yourself from Heat and Sun Exposure

• 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 additional water stations will be set up in the event hub.

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

What to do if you feel unwell

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.

Pre-Event Health and Well-Being Guidance

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

• 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 speak to your doctor and plan for future participation.

• 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.

Running Safely and Staying Alert

• 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.

By registering for and participating in the Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run (“the event”), I acknowledge and agree to the following:

• On behalf of myself and my successors, I waive, release, and forever discharge the event organisers, sponsors, promoters, their agents, representatives, successors, assigns, and all other individuals involved in the event from any liability, claims, actions, or damages arising from my participation or attendance.

• This waiver includes any claims resulting from negligence, actions, or inactions of the parties listed above.

Assumption of Risk

• I acknowledge that participating in the Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run may be hazardous. I confirm that I am medically able and adequately trained to take part in the event.

• I assume full and complete responsibility for any injury, accident, or harm that may occur during the event or while I am on event premises.

• I am aware of and voluntarily accept all risks associated with participation, including but not limited to falls, interactions with other participants, adverse weather, traffic conditions, and the condition of the road or trail.

Medical Responsibility

• I accept full responsibility for securing my own travel and personal medical insurance.

• I am responsible for all medical or surgical expenses incurred due to my participation in the event.

• I consent to the Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run providing my personal details, including medical history and emergency contact information, to the designated Medical Provider.

• I consent to the Medical Provider supplying the Canberra Day Appeal Fun Run with my medical incident report or incident record in full.

Event Rules and Conduct

• I agree to comply with all instructions and directions issued by event officials, marshals, volunteers, police officers, and emergency or rescue personnel.

• I agree to conduct myself in a respectful, responsible, and safe manner at all times during the event.

• I will not engage in behaviour that endangers myself, other participants, officials, or spectators, including but not limited to aggressive conduct, harassment, ignoring event directions, or interfering with the safe operation of the event.

• I understand that failure to comply with expected behaviour may result in removal from the event.

Event Changes, Cancellation, and Refunds

• I understand that all registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable.

• If unsafe conditions arise—including heavy rain, flooding, high winds, bushfires, or other unforeseen events—the organisers may, at their sole discretion, alter the course, implement a shortened course, or cancel the event.

• The organisers reserve the right to cancel, alter, or shorten the event at any time for other reasons, including environmental concerns, terrorism, or war. No refunds will be issued in these circumstances.

• I understand that logistical considerations may prevent the event from being rescheduled to another date.

Media Release

• I grant full permission for event organisers, sponsors, and affiliated parties to use photographs, video footage, website images, audio recordings, and any other media captured during the event.

Post-Event Communications

• By attending this event, I agree to receive a post-event feedback survey from Events ACT. Participation in the survey is entirely voluntary, and my contact information will be used solely for this purpose and not shared or retained for any other use beyond this event.

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.