Australian Running Festival

Runners, walkers and joggers can get a head start on New Year's fitness goals by signing up to the Australian Running Festival, held on Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13, 2014 in Canberra.

For the first time, all five courses will be a one-lap route, exploring the beautiful Canberra lakeside and surrounds. A new starting area will see all events start from outside Old Parliament House.

With events suitable for all abilities, the Australian Running Festival encourages everyone including serious runners, joggers, wheelchair athletes, and pram-pushers to take part.

More than 10,000 runners are expected to take part in the festival that includes the Ultra Marathon (50km), The Canberra Times Canberra Marathon and the Half Marathon, along with the adidas10km and 5km fun runs.

In 2013, the Australian Running Festival raised more than $220,000 for 195 charities, and in 2014, it is hoped a target of $300,000 will be reached to support 225 Australian charities already involved.

The Australian Running Festival 2014 also introduces a Gold Charity Program for those who would like to make fundraising the focus of their half marathon or marathon experience.