Event Day - Sunday 24 May 2026
Start & finish line
Starting point: Corner of Hay Street and William Street, Perth
Finish point: Gloucester Park, East Perth
HBF Run for a Reason begins at the corner of Hay Street and William Street and wraps up at the historic Gloucester Park, providing the perfect setting to celebrate your achievements in true Perth style.
Why this route?
- A central starting point that immerses participants in Perth’s vibrant city atmosphere
- A finish line at Gloucester Park, offering ample space for post-race celebrations and relaxation
- A course that combines urban energy with scenic views, creating a memorable experience for everyone
Whether you’re running, walking, or wheeling, our start and finish lines will be buzzing with energy, entertainment, and that incredible sense of community spirit HBF Run for a Reason is known for.
Skip straight to:
Getting there
Public transport is the easiest way to get to and from the event and the best part is that it's free for all HBF Run for a Reason participants. Simply show your participant bib to travel on all Transperth services for complimentary travel until 3pm.
Heading to the finish line? Catch the train to Stadium Station and walk across Matagarup Bridge. Signs from the bridge will direct you into Gloucester Park. Please don't try to drive to the finish line.
There will be additional services running to cater for crowds, so be sure to plan your journey by visiting transperth.wa.gov.au
Road Closures on Event Day
There will be road closures in place on event day to support participant and community safety.
Accessibility & Inclusion
Wheelchair Participants Information
All race distances are wheelchair accessible. All wheelchair participants are required to enter for their preferred distance and specify that they will be taking part in a wheelchair when asked.
Racing Wheelchair Participants
If you are participating in a racing wheelchair, we recommend starting at the front of your designated wave. This will help ensure a smoother and safer course experience, free from congestion . All racing wheelchair participants must specify that they will be taking part in a wheelchair when asked during registration.
Non-Racing Wheelchair Participants
For those using a non-racing wheelchair, we strongly advise starting at the back of your designated wave. This will help maintain your safety and allow for easier navigation through the field of runners.
Wheelchair Support and Carer Registration
If you require assistance with accessing the start line, please reach out to The Event Team at enquiry@hbfrun.com.au or call 08 6333 0330 in advance of the event.
If you require the assistance of a carer, please enter for the event as a wheelchair participant and after entering, kindly email a copy of your entry confirmation and Companion Card to enquiry@hbfrun.com.au so we can provide further information to your carer on how to enter the event.
For further inquiries or assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us at enquiry@hbfrun.com.au.
City of Perth bag drop
You can drop off your belongings at Pack Collection (Perth Convention & Exhibition Centre), and we’ll transport them to the finish line for you to collect on event day.
Prefer to bring it on race morning? Use the City of Perth Bag Drop at Forrest Place. Bags dropped at Forrest Place must be collected from the same location by 12pm on event day and will not be transported to the finish line.
Event organisers will do everything possible to look after your belongings but cannot accept responsibility for their security so please leave any valuables at home.
All items must be placed into a clear bag, which will be provided at bag drop. Backpacks are not permitted and must be emptied into a clear bag provided.
Note: Bags dropped at Forrest Place must be collected from the same location by 12pm on event day and will not be transported to the finish line.
Spectator Guide
You bring the hype. Let's help you bring it Loud.
Cheer, signs, and energy from the sidelines make HBF Run for a Reason unforgettable. Join over 20,000 spectators supporting thousands of participants raising funds for their chosen charity.
Spectator Access:
Spectators can view all parts of the course except the Graham Farmer Freeway. Stay off the course and behind barriers.
Tip: Confirm which side of the road your runner will be on - their left or right, not yours!
Best viewing spots:
- Brooks Half Marathon: End of Mounts Bay Road near the Narrows Bridge, near UWA/Hackett Drive, or in Burswood.
- Specsavers 12km: Anywhere along the river in Burswood.
- CommBank 3km: In front of the old WA Police headquarters on Hay Street.
- Finish line: Entry to Gloucester Park is free for spectators. Consider avoiding the crowds by catching the train to Stadium Station and walking across Matagarup Bridge. Signs from the bridge will direct you into Gloucester Park. Please don't try to drive to the finish line due to road closures.
Gloucester Park Finish Line
Join the finish line celebrations at Gloucester Park from 7:30am with music, food trucks, and festivities. Spectator entry is free!
Finish Area Safety:
To keep the finish area safe and comfortable:
- The finish line and medals area are for participants only.
- Pick a meeting point in advance – the A-Z Meeting Area makes it easy, simply look for the A-Z flags and choose your meet-up letter in advance.
- Keep children close. Lost children? Head to the Lost Children’s tent.
What to bring:
- Snacks, water, and sun protection
- A poncho if rain is forecast (avoid umbrellas - they block views)
- Comfortable shoes - you might walk 2–5km during the day
- A bright, creative cheer sign!
Tip: The finish line is full of entertainment and food trucks – perfect for celebrating your runner’s achievement!
Give Back
Since 2010, HBF Run for a Reason has raised over $14.5 million for charities. Support your runner’s chosen cause or make a direct donation.
General Info
Visit the Event Day page for details on key times, road closures, getting there, parking and more.
Don’t forget to flick your kit
Keep cozy at the start line by wearing a jumper or jacket you no longer need. Once the race begins, simply toss it to the side – aka, flick your kit – and our volunteers will collect and donate it to Vinnies.
Just remember to remove any personal items, like your phone or wallet, before leaving your jumper behind. Please avoid using garbage bags or plastic, as they can create tripping hazards.
Every year, this initiative collects approximately two tonnes of clothing, all sorted and distributed through Vinnies to those in need.
Lost children
The finish line at Gloucester Park will be very busy, make sure you make a plan in case you're separated, parents might find the below tips useful:
- Arrange a meeting place with your children at Gloucester Park well in advance
- Show your child the finish line map and highlight the Lost Children area
- Consider writing your phone number on your child's hand as a further precaution
How do I get to the event?
Public transport is the easiest way to get to and from the event. Simply show your participant bib to travel on all Transperth services for complimentary travel until 3pm.
Volunteers also get free public transport - just wear that HBF Run for a Reason volunteer shirt proudly for your free access.
Please note that early-morning train services may not operate early enough for all participants, particularly for early start times. We recommend checking timetables in advance and considering alternative transport options such as bus services, rideshare, or being dropped off where appropriate.
Additional public transport services will be running to cater for crowds, so be sure to plan your journey by visiting transperth.wa.gov.au.
There will be several road closures around the CBD from midnight on Saturday 23 May. Please refer to our website closer to the event day where we will provide updates on which roads will be closed and the timings they are expected to be re-opened by.
What time should I arrive at the start line on HBF Run for a Reason event day?
Can I leave my personal items somewhere on HBF Run for a Reason event day?
You sure can – there are two options:
Delivery to finish line
Before event day, you can drop your belongings to the designated area at Pack Collection at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC). We'll transport it to the finish line so it's ready for you to pick up after the event. All bags must be collected from the finish line by noon on event day.
Drop off closes at 1pm on Saturday 23 May.
Find out more about Pack Collection days and times here.
OR
Forrest Place storage
You can drop your items at the City of Perth Bag Drop area located in Forrest Place from 6am on event day - just remember that you'll have to collect it from here too by noon on event day.
No bags from the Forrest Place start will be transported to the finish line.
For safety reasons, clear bags will be provided at both locations - no personal bags will be accepted. Event organisers will do everything they can to look after your belongings but accept no responsibility for their security so please leave any valuables at home.
Can I listen to music on my phone/mp3 player at HBF run for a Reason?
There is loads of entertainment on course, so we recommend leaving the headphones at home so you can soak up the atmosphere!
There will be lots of important information from course marshals and police that you’ll need to be able to hear for your own safety and that of fellow participants. Also, even though the roads are closed there will be emergency service vehicles on course so you’ll need to be aware of what’s going on around you.
Will there be food and beverage outlets open before my HBF Run for a Reason start time?
Yes, there will be some retailers open nice and early. More information will be available closer to the event. We do ask that you avoid using these outlets for their toilet facilities and use the event toilets as illustrated on the start map.
You'll find event toilets at King Street, Barrack Street and Wellington Street (train station and Forrest Place).
Is there any entertainment at the HBF Run for a Reason start line?
Will there be toilets available on the HBF Run for a Reason course?
Yes, there are toilets scattered at various points throughout the course, however they are limited so we suggest going to the toilets located near the start line. You'll find them at King Street, Barrack Street and Wellington Street (train station and Forrest Place).
There are also toilets near the finish line at Gloucester Park.
You can find the location of toilets on the course map of each distance:
Is there water on course?
Is there food for sale at the HBF Run for a Reason finish line?
There sure is. We’ll have a selection of food vendors in the finish area at Gloucester Park. Whatever your mood you can grab breakfast, lunch or a healthy snack.
Most vendors will have EFTPOS facilities however if you do need cash, there are ATM facilities in the grand stand at Gloucester Park.
How can I keep warm at the HBF Run for a Reason start area?
It’s best to wear an old jumper or jacket that you no longer need – you can then leave it at the side of the start line and our volunteers will collect everything and donate it to Vinnies.
Make sure to remove any personal items e.g. mobile phones, wallet before you pop your jumper or jacket aside. Please don’t wear/bring any garbage bags or plastic as these can become a serious tripping hazard.
Remember once you flick it, it’s collected, along with approximately two tonnes of garments and taken straight to sorting facilities at Vinnies.
What should I eat before HBF Run for a Reason?
Where can I get a drink at HBF Run for a Reason?
There will be drink stations throughout the course and at the finish line. On course water locations can be viewed on the course map of each distance:
What should I do with my HBF Run for a Reason particpant bib and timing device?
You need to wear your bib on your chest throughout the event. The timing device is attached to the back of the bib. Please see the back of your bib for more information on how to wear these correctly – we’ll be providing safety pins in your participant pack.
What is the delay in times between the HBF Run for a Reason start groups?
The event will have a rolling start meaning each wave and distance will follow on from the previous one. To view start times visit:
Everyone must be in place in your appropriate wave (corresponding to your bib colour) before the official start time of your event. Our volunteers will move you across the start line in order. Timing devices and mats will record the time you actually cross the start and finish lines.
What happens if I start in the wrong HBF Run for a Reason wave?
You’ll be asked to move. Your timing device and participant bib are assigned to a wave within each event category.
You must start in your assigned wave. If you start in a wave ahead of yours, your timing device will not activate and your time will not be recorded.
Can I ride my bike/skateboard/roller blade alongside my friend who is in the HBF Run for a Reason?
What do I do with my timing device once I cross the HBF Run for a Reason finish line?
How do I check my HBF Run for a Reason completion time?
What is on once I have crossed the HBF Run for a Reason finish line?
The finish line is a hub of activity so why not stick around and enjoy the fun and entertainment.
As soon as you’ve crossed the finish line you’ll enter the recovery chute and receive some water plus a piece of fruit and your all-important medal.
Then you’re free to explore - we’ll have free massages on offer, a stretch/recovery zone, food vendors, music and kids entertainment plus be sure to grab some snaps with your friends and family and tag @hbfrun and #hbfrun.
Can I bring my dog with me to HBF Run for a Reason?
How do I get my HBF run for a Reason Event Day Photos?
This year we're teaming up with NORTHSOUTH LIVE to bring you your same-day participant photos! You can check for your photos here. You'll receive a text message as soon as new photos are added to your gallery, and another when all your photos are processed. Plus, NORTHSOUTH is offering a special race day discount: get 20% off all purchases until midnight on event day with the code: HBF20.
