Yarra River Running Festival 2026

The Yarra River Running Festival 2026 in Templestowe, Victoria, Australia on Sunday 23rd August 2026 offers runners a choice of distances from the family-friendly 2km Dash to the challenging Half Marathon.
Westerfolds Park sets the stage for this event. The park's trails wind along the Yarra River, offering scenic views and diverse terrain. Race morning will find participants starting at Westerfolds Park, where they can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the event village before setting off on their journey across the park’s varied landscape.
This festival has been a staple in Templestowe for years, growing from 500 to over 2,000 participants annually. The race supports local charities and scholarships, making it more than just a run; it's an experience that benefits both runners and the community alike.
The course takes you through the Westerfolds Loop, with its rolling hills and river paths. Participants in the Half Marathon can expect to navigate 21km of varied terrain, while those in the shorter distances will cover 5km or the family-friendly 2km Dash. The start line is marked by a banner welcoming runners from all over.
Start times are staggered for each distance, ensuring smooth transitions and minimizing congestion on the course. There are no aid stations along the route; instead, post-race refreshments await at Westerfolds Park. With an average temperature of 10.8°C that feels like 10.8°C due to humidity at 78.8%, runners can expect a brisk but comfortable race day.

- Half Marathon: 21km, fee=$80.00
- 5km: 5km, fee=$38.00
- 2km Dash: 2km, fee=$28.00
To register for the Yarra River Running Festival 2026, visit https://raceroster.com/events/2026/112885/yarra-river-running-festival-2026 and secure your spot before the early bird deadline on April 30th. Bibs will be available for pickup from July 1st to August 20th at Westerfolds Park Administration Office, along with any necessary race numbers.
The start location is at Westerfords Park Carpark, accessible via Templestowe Road near the Yarra River, with a mandatory age of 16 years or older for Half Marathon participants. First-timers should bring their photo ID and a completed waiver form to ensure they are fully prepared.
This event isn't just about completing a run; it's an opportunity to connect with fellow runners and support local causes in Templestowe. The Yarra River Running Festival 2026 on August 23rd, 2026, is worth attending for the scenic route along the riverbank and the chance to contribute to community initiatives.