The Rotary Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy is a family fundraising event where children race alongside one of Australia’s most famous steam trains. Held at Gembrook Station, the event gives children aged three to 12 their own age-based fun run while raising money to support young patients at Angliss Hospital.
The 2026 event will be held on Sunday, 29 November, from 9am to 2pm. Six fun runs are scheduled throughout the day, with distances increasing from 150 metres for the youngest participants to 1,200 metres for children aged 11 and 12.
2026 Fun Run Schedule
Each race is assigned a colour based on participants’ ages. Children must be ready at their designated starting point no later than 10 minutes before their race.
- Purple Fun Run – ages 3 and 4: 10am, 150 metres
- Orange Fun Run – ages 5 and 6: 10:20am, 250 metres
- Blue Fun Run – age 7: 10:40am, 250 metres
- Yellow Fun Run – age 8: 11:45am, 250 metres
- Red Fun Run – ages 9 and 10: 12:15pm, 850 metres
- Green Fun Run – ages 11 and 12: 12:50pm, 1,200 metres
The Purple Fun Run begins inside the gate near the eastern end of Station Road on Puffing Billy land. The Orange, Blue and Yellow runs start under the pine trees inside the gate near the eastern end of Station Road.
The Red Fun Run begins on Station Road, opposite number 19 and near the water pumping station. The Green Fun Run starts near the railway level crossing at the eastern entrance to Gembrook. A shuttle bus will operate from the station for the Red and Green starting points.
Puffing Billy Train Rides
Special Puffing Billy rides accompany each fun run. These trains depart Gembrook Station shortly before the corresponding race and travel along the course, allowing passengers to watch the children running beside the train.
The 2026 fun-run train schedule is:
- Purple Fun Run Ride: 9:50am
- Orange Fun Run Ride: 10:10am
- Blue Fun Run Ride: 10:30am
- Yellow Fun Run Ride: 11:35am
- Red Fun Run Ride: 12pm
- Green Fun Run Ride: 12:35pm
Tickets for these rides cost $5 per passenger.
Two additional joyrides will depart at 11:10am and 1:05pm. These approximately 20-minute return journeys travel from Gembrook Station along the railway, then return to the station.
Joyride tickets cost $10 for children aged 15 and under and concession-card holders, $15 for adults or $40 for a family. A family ticket covers two adults and two children or one adult and three children aged 15 and under.
Fun-run rides and joyrides are separate from children’s race registrations and should be booked through the organiser.
Registrations and Entry Prices
Early-bird fun-run registration costs $20 per child when booked by 30 September 2026. Standard registration is $25 per child after the early-bird period.
Parents should register children for the race that matches the child’s age. Participants should also allow enough time to check in and reach their designated starting point at least 10 minutes before the published race time.
Kids Helping Kids
The Rotary Club of Emerald & District organises the event, which follows the theme “Kids Helping Kids”. Money raised through the event supports projects assisting children.
The 2026 event will again support the creation of colourful murals in the Children’s Ward at Angliss Hospital, including areas used by children before and after surgery. The murals are intended to create a brighter, more reassuring environment for young patients and their families.
The event began in 2002 as the Kids Fun Run with Thomas and has since become the Rotary Club’s signature fundraiser. It is now known as the Rotary Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy, reflecting the children’s opportunity to run alongside the heritage railway. Since the event began, more than $812,250 has been raised, including $39,000 at the 2025 event.
Getting to the Event
The event is held at Puffing Billy Railway’s Gembrook Station, 1 Main Street, Gembrook.
Families should arrive well before their scheduled race or train departure. Some races begin away from the station, and children must be waiting at the correct starting point at least 10 minutes before their race.
After arriving, follow the organiser’s instructions and event signage, especially when travelling to the Red or Green Fun Run starting points.
Rotary Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy FAQs
When is the Rotary Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy?
The 2026 event will be held on Sunday, 29 November.
What time does the event run?
The family event runs from 9am to 2pm. Fun-run train rides begin at 9:50am, the children’s races run from 10am to 12:50pm, and joyrides depart at 11:10am and 1:05pm.
What ages can enter the fun run?
The six fun runs are open to children aged three to 12, grouped by age.
How long are the children’s races?
Race distances range from 150 metres for children aged three and four to 1,200 metres for children aged 11 and 12.
How early should children arrive at the start line?
Children must be ready at their designated starting point no later than 10 minutes before their race. Families should arrive earlier to allow time for check-in and to reach the correct start.
How much does it cost to enter?
Early-bird registration costs $20 per child until 30 September 2026. Standard registration costs $25 per child.
How much are the Puffing Billy rides?
Fun-run train rides cost $5 per passenger. Joyrides cost $10 for children aged 15 and under and concession-card holders, $15 for adults or $40 for a family.
Where is the event held?
The event is based at Puffing Billy Railway Station, 1 Main Street, Gembrook. Individual races have designated starting points around the station and railway precinct.
What does the event raise money for?
The 2026 event will raise money for murals in the Children’s Ward at Angliss Hospital, helping create a brighter and more comforting environment for young patients.
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