The Kids Fun Run with Thomas is an annual fundraising event that raises thousands of dollars for the Cerebral Palsy Education Centre in Glen Waverley.
Each year, hundreds of kids aged between 3 and 12 participate in this fun running event, which builds confidence in kids and raises money for a worthy cause.
Kids Fun Run with Thomas 2025 Dates, Times & Address, Puffing Billy
The Fun Run Rides go from the station, up the track to the start of the fun run, and then set off back to the station, with the children running alongside. Passengers on the train have the added joy of having the little ones running with them. The length of the train ride corresponds with the fun run.
Kids are encouraged to fundraise before the big event, and awards are given to those who raise the most funds. On the day, kids pay an entry fee and can compete with certificates presented to each child.
Families can also take a joy ride on Thomas the Tank Engine for a small fee. Joyrides depart Gembrook Station at around 11:10am and again at 1:40pm. Each trip takes 20-30 minutes and returns to Gembrook Station.
Start Line
Children must be ready to run no later than 10 minutes prior to their event.
- Purple Fun Run 10.00am, 3 years – inside the gate near the east end of Station Road (on Puffing Billy land).
- Orange Fun Run 10.20am, 4 years – inside the gate near the east end of Station Road (on Puffing Billy land).
- Blue Fun Run 10.40am, 5 years – under the pine trees inside the gate near the east end of Station Road (on Puffing Billy land).
- Yellow Fun Run 11.45am, 6 years – under the pine trees inside the gate near the east end of Station Road (on Puffing Billy land).
- Red Fun Run 12.15pm, 7 – 8 years – on Station Road (opp No. 19), near Water Pumping Station, Green Fun Run 12.50pm, 9 – 10 years – near Railway level crossing at East entry to Gembrook. Shuttle Bus available from the station.
- Pink Fun Run 1.30pm, 11 – 12 years – near Railway level crossing at East entry to Gembrook. Shuttle Bus available from the station.
A start banner will be erected before each Fun Run. Please do not crowd the Starting Line. Runners will receive ample warning and
will hear the Start Bell promptly at the designated starting times.
Children must cross the official Finish Line (at the “Town” end of the Heritage Station platform) and await award presentations on the stage at the Finish Line. The first boy and girl across the line in each Fun Run will receive a special Kids Fun Run trophy.
Entry Process
Arrive at least 30 minutes before your child’s fun run. You will need to bring your child’s Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy ticket, which was emailed to you when you registered—a digital or printed copy.
- Go to Run Number Collection station, show your ticket & collect your child’s run number
- Pin number to child’s front – pins will be provided
- Ensure the child arrives at the start line at least 10 minutes before the start time for the run
- After the fun run, you can collect your Certificate
- Show your certificate to collect your Showbag
Car Parking
The Gembrook Primary School has 400 spaces, and parking is available throughout Gembrook. Disabled drop-off is available in front of the Station.
No parking will be allowed on Station Road, Gembrook. Vehicular traffic will be limited to residents only, and this road will be closed periodically. Street parking in Gembrook is available. Normal parking restrictions apply. Parked vehicles that restrict traffic flow or obstruct driveways are not permitted.
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