Specsavers 12km
The Specsavers 12km is the perfect distance for those looking to challenge themselves or simply enjoy a fun and active day out. Whether you’re aiming to set a new personal best or strolling through the course with friends, this event has something for everyone.
The route takes you along the freeway, through the iconic Northbridge Tunnel, past Optus Stadium and across The Causeway, offering a unique perspective of Perth. With a vibrant atmosphere and a mix of runners, joggers, walkers, and wheelers, the Specsavers 12km is a fantastic way to get moving, stay fit, and have a great time – all while supporting a good cause.
Keep an eye out for the Specsavers 100m Dash on your way around the course. The Specsavers 100m Dash has become a beloved highlight of the Specsavers 12km. Set along the scenic banks of the Swan River, just after you pass Optus Stadium, this quick burst is perfectly placed to spur you on as you charge toward the finish – and there’s some great prizes up for grabs. With past winners walking away with a fresh pair of Specsavers glasses, it’s the one sprint worth training for.
Skip straight to:
Start times and categories for
Specsavers 12km
| Wave | Your pace | Ideal for . . . |
|---|---|---|
| Seeded Wave* (Start - 8:15am ) *Proof required | Men - Under 45mins Women - Under 55mins | Runners |
|
Green Wave | 50 mins to 1 hr 10 mins | Runners |
|
Brown Wave | 1 hr 10 mins to 1 hr 25 mins | Runners and joggers |
| Purple Wave (Approx. start - 8:35am) | 1 hr 25 mins to 1 hr 40 mins | Joggers and brisk walkers |
| Pink Wave (Approx. start - 8:45am) | 1 hr 40 mins to 2 hrs | Families and walkers |
| Sky Blue Wave (Approx. start - 8:55am) | Over 2hrs+ | Families, prams, wheelchairs and walkers |
The first wave in the Specsavers 12km will start at 8.15am, with subsequent waves starting approximately every 10 minutes after that. Please make sure you arrive at the assembly area for your wave no later than 30 minutes before its scheduled start time, so you can get settled and ready to go.
To help manage wave capacities, participants bibs will be checked before entering the designated start group areas.
Please note that for safety and event timing, no participants will be able to start the Specsaver 12km after 9:10am.
Course cut-off times have been put in place to ensure everyone's safety and the smooth running of the event:
| 9.45am | Aid Station 1 (approx. 3km), Western end of Graham Farmer Freeway |
| 11.00am | Aid Station 5 (approx. 8km), near Optus Stadium |
| 11.30am | Western end of Causeway (approx. 11km) |
Thanks for your cooperation, and we can’t wait to cheer you on out on the course!
What do HBF Run for a Reason ‘distances’, ‘courses’ and ‘waves’ mean?
Courses refer to the three distances and the route that each takes. There are three to choose from – the Brooks Half Marathon, Specsavers 12km, and the CommBank 3km.
Waves are assigned depending on the time you expect to take to complete the course. We encourage you to select an appropriate wave so you are surrounded by people running or walking at a similar pace to you. Some people are running to smash their PB and run a 12-minute 3km, others are walking with prams and taking it easy. By selecting the correct wave, it helps us keep you safe and moving at your goal pace.
You must start in your assigned wave. If you start in a group ahead of yours, your timing device will not activate and your time will not be recorded. Event Officials may also instruct you to move back to the appropriate group.
Does HBF Run for a Reason have any rules for young children?
We know that many families will want to walk (or run) the course together as part of a special day out – that’s one of the things that makes it such a fun day!
Please be mindful that children who intend on walking or running the course must be registered and wearing a participant bib. They also need to be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.
In a large crowd it can be easy to become separated from children. Please ensure you provide your child with a contact number to reach you on should they become separated and if appropriate plan for a meeting point at the finish.
Check out the A-Z meeting area just outside the medal collection at the finish line. There will also be a constable care area at the finish line for any lost children.
Do children in prams have to be registered for HBF Run for a Reason?
Children being pushed in prams don’t need to be registered. However, if you do register your child who will be pushed in a pram, they’ll receive participant benefits like a free event t-shirt and a medal at the finish line – it’s up to you, but the baby event t-shirts are extra cute!
For safety reasons, please note that participants pushing prams must select the Families & Prams category for both the CommBank 3km and Specsavers 12km distances. Prams should keep to the left of the course to reduce congestion. Prams are not permitted in the Brooks Half Marathon distance.
Can I walk the HBF Run for a Reason course?
Yes! Walkers are welcome on the Specsavers 12km or CommBank 3km. The Brooks Half Marathon is for runners/joggers only due to cut-off times. All distances must follow course rules – no bikes, scooters or, rollerblades.
Is running through the tunnel safe?
