RUN THE TAN & SUPPORT MENTAL HEALTH!
Unique | Iconic | Local. Save the date for Run the Tan 2027 (Sunday 18th April)
PRE REGISTERRun the iconic Tan Track and support mental health!
Join elite athletes, celebrities, emergency service workers and schools as they strive to get an 'official' time around the iconic Tan Track and raise funds and awareness for local mental health charities.
Public Fun Run
Open to everyone. Limited spots available!
Elite Athletes
Main showcase event for Top Male & Female Elite Athletes.
Celebrities
Rub shoulders with your sport idols and celebrities and watch them tackle The Tan!
Emergency Services
Watch Emergency Services groups go head to head!
Schools
Battle of the Schools - who are the fastest schools.
Unique | Iconic | Local
Run the Tan is a flagship event on Australia's Running Calendar - Unique, Iconic, and Local!
UNIQUE – A key fixture in Australia's running calendar, held in late April every year, marking the transition from summer athletics to winter cross-country. Run alongside Olympians and celebrities while supporting mental health charities. There's something for everyone!
ICONIC – Run Melbourne’s legendary Tan Track, the heart of Australian running. Take the rare opportunity to set an official time and personal best on this famous course.
LOCAL – Whether you’re a local or visiting, enjoy the convenience of a major event in Melbourne, with affordable entry and free spectator access. Make it a memorable experience by exploring the city's dining and entertainment scene.
There are plenty of running events, but there's only ONE Run the Tan.
About the track
When you visit Melbourne it is a must that you either walk, jog or run Melbourne’s iconic ‘Tan Track’ around the beautiful Botanic Gardens.
The ‘Tan Track’, better known as The Tan, derives its name (depending on whom you ask) from its tan colour; from its former tan bark surface; or as an abbreviation of “BoTANical Gardens”.
Run for Mental Health
1 in 5 Australians will suffer mental illness this year. Did you know that Running for just 15 minutes a day reduces the risk of major depression by 26%. Source: helpguide.org
You can support mental health by taking part in Run The Tan and fundraising for local charities. Find out more about how you can make a difference to someone suffering from mental illnesses.
The Tan Digital Clocks
Next time you're down at The Tan check out the digital clocks and the official top 10 fastest men's, women's and Para times. Take a selfie and post it on your socials. Remember to Tag your favorite athletes and @run_the_tan #runthetan Photo: Hamish Blair
Find out more
Run Club
Join us at 8am every Saturday morning for a run, jog or walk around The Tan, followed by coffee. It's free to join and everyone is welcome. We cater for all fitness levels and abilities. Go at your own pace. No pressure, no judgment, no expectations. Supported by qualified Running Coaches. Great way to kick start your weekends.
More Info
What’s your fastest time around The Tan?
Can you beat "The Tan” record holders? Take on the best of the best and get your own "official" time around The Tan.
Craig Mottram
The current record holder for the fastest lap around The Tan is Craig Mottram with a blazing time of 10 minutes and 8 seconds, ran in 2006.
Linden Hall
The female equal record holder for the fastest lap around The Tan is Linden Hall in a time of 11 minutes and 31 seconds, ran on 26th April 2026.
Jessica Hull
The female equal record holder for the fastest lap around The Tan is Jessica Hull in a time of 11 minutes and 31 seconds, ran on 30th April 2023.
Michael Roeger
The para record holder for the fastest multiclass ranked lap around The Tan is Michael Roeger (T46) in a time of 10 minutes and 53 seconds, ran on 26th April 2026.
Major Sponsor
Sponsors and Partners
