Frequently asked questions
Whether you're trying to set a personal best or pushing a pram for a spring morning stroll, people of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels are welcome to soak up the festive atmosphere at Santa Fun Run.
Participant information
Tickets to Santa Fun Run are on sale from September 22.
A comprehensive event guide will be emailed to all participants a week before the event in November 2026.
In the meantime, here are answers to our most frequently asked questions.
The event
Where is the Santa Fun Run in 2026?
The Santa Fun Run event takes place across 'The Tan Track' in Melbourne's Royal Botanic Gardens, with activities and entertainment at the event village in Kings Domain, located in front of the gates of the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. View in Google Maps.
Who can take part in the Santa Fun Run?
As an all-ages, inclusive and accessible event we invite anyone to take part. This event is suitable for all abilities, ages and fitness levels. If you are under 18, you will need to attend with a guardian. If you have accessibility needs, we offer free tickets to Companion Card holders who are supporting an attendee.
Do I have to run the event course?
You have the choice of running, walking, pushing a pram or using a wheelchair on the course. There are options for one lap or two, depending on how far you want to go. We have also added a timed option for those who want to set a personal best.
Do I have to dress up as Santa?
Paid ticketholders will receive a Santa t-shirt, but what you wear is up to you. Joining hundreds of Santas is part of the fun, so red attire and Christmas accessories are strongly encouraged! Whatever you wear, please make sure your race bib is visible on the outside of your clothing.
It's raining or hot on event day, will it still go ahead?
Will there be a Santa Fun Run in Sydney in 2026?
Tickets and registration
How much does it cost to register?
Santa Fun Run is a ticketed event, with discounts for registration before October 31. Check out the ticketing page for pricing and registration.
I'm a Vision Australia/Seeing Eye Dogs client, do I receive a discount for entry?
Yes! You should have received a discount code in a newsletter to use for 15% off at checkout. If you didn't receive this code, please email fundraising.events@visionaustralia.org
When do registrations close?
Online registration ends at 11pm on Friday 27 November. Last-minute tickets can be purchased at the event between 8am-9am, 30 mins before the race start at 9.30am.
What can I do if I made a mistake or I'm having trouble registering?
If you made a mistake on registration, need to update your details, or are having difficulty registering, please contact us directly at fundraising.events@visionaustralia.org so we can assist you further.
What happens if I can no longer participate?
Please contact us directly at fundraising.events@visionaustralia.org so we can assist you further.
Can I transfer my registration if I can no longer attend?
Due to the physical nature of the event and waiver/emergency contact details required at checkout, all ticket sales for Santa Fun Run are final and non-transferable. If you are unable to attend due to exceptional curcunstances, you may request a refund by emailing fundraising.events@visionaustralia.org
All requests will be reviewed and considered on a case-by-case basis.
Does my support person have to register to recieve free entry?
Yes, if you have a Companion Card, please select an entry ticket for yourself and choose the 'support person' ticket at checkout. This will provide free entry for your support person, and they will also have the option to fundraise if they like. Please bring your Companion Card to the event. Free tickets do not include a Santa t-shirt, but this can be added to the ticket if you need extra.
Where do I collect my race bib and/or Santa t-shirt?
Event collection: If you chose free collection or purchased tickets after November 9, you will able to collect your items on the day from the Event Village between 8am - 9am. This may result in queues on the day so please allow adequate time to get ready.
Race details
What are the course details?
Wave 1: Dasher
Two laps (7.6km), recommended for runners or fast walkers
Wave 2: Dancer
One lap (3.8km), recommended for moderate to leisurely walkers
This is not a competitive event, but the start line closes at 10am and all participants need to be finished by 11.30am. To track your individual race time, you will need to select the timed opton for an additional $5 at checkout.
Toilet, drink and first aid locations will be published on the event guide, emailed a week prior to the event.
Can I run with headphones
Sure, whatever gets you in the zone!
Can I run with a pram?
Yes, prams and families are most welcome. For safety reasons, we do request that you start at the back of your wave.
Can I have a supporter bike ride next to me?
Yes, we can accommodate accessibility needs including a supporter bike, but please let us know at the registration desk at the Event Village prior to racing
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, dogs are permitted at Santa Fun Run,ut owners must follow local regulations for The Tan Track and Royal Botanic Gardens. This includes laws that require dogs to remain on lead at all times, avoid restricted areas of the gardens, and for owners to take responsibility for waste removal.
Seeing Eye Dogs are permitted everywhere as registered service animals.
Can I run as a support person for someone?
Yes, support people can register using the free Support Person ticket option, but they need to register with the person they are supporting and advise us at the registration tent on the day who they are supporting. Please email fundraising.events@visionaustralia.org if you have any questions.
Can I fly a personal drone on the course?
No. The use of any type of drone or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is prohibited at the Event. Any person using a drone or UAV may be disqualified from the Event.
Will there be a cloak room or bag drop facilities at the event?
Yes, there is a bag drop station where you can leave your belongings for collection. Bikes can be locked to the crowd control barriers, left at your own risk.
Fundraising
Do I have to fundraise?
No. On registration, you will receive a personal fundraising page so that people can sponsor your fun run, but it's up to you if you use this or not. You are welcome to attend the event without fundraising, but if anyone wishes to support your efforts, they will be supporting families with children who are blind or have low vision. It's a special cause that is making spirits bright this Christmas, so we hope you will join in by sharing your fundraising page with family, friends and coworkers.
Are donations tax-deductible?
All donations $2 and over are tax deductible and a receipt is emailed to your donors whenever they make an online donation.
Receipts cannot be given when there is an exchange for goods or services even if the proceeds support Vision Australia, for example, event tickets, raffle tickets, or purchases at an on-site food truck.
Where does my fundraising money go?
Fundraising for Santa Fun Run directly contributes to Vision Australia’s specialist children’s services. This provides support and resources for childhood development and education of young Australians who are blind or have low vision. You can learn more on the Your impact page.
How do I prove I am fundraising for Vision Australia?
Shortly after you register, you’ll receive an email that includes an Authority to Fundraise for Vision Australia by participating in Santa Fun Run. You can show this email to donors, sponsors or venues if they request proof of authority for this fundraising activity. This letter applies to Santa Fun Run donations and sponsorship only. If you host your own event (such as a bake sale or morning tea), you will need to email fundraising.events@visionaustralia.org to request another letter of authority.
Are there fundraising rules I need to know?
Receiving online donatons to your personal fundraising page doesn't require any specia know-how, but if you decide to organise an event or sell raffle tickets, there are regulations that need to be followed. Please refer to our Fundraising Guidelines if you intend to conduct any additional activities outside of Santa Fun Run.
How do I bank cash funds I have raised?
You have a few options to bank your funds so your fundraising can be put to good use straight away:
1. You can log in and add your fundraising to your fundraising page via your credit card. The transaction will instantly appear on your page and your fundraising total.
2. You can send a cheque to us at:
Santa Fun Run
Fundraising
Vision Australia
454 Glenferrie Road
Kooyong VIC 3144
3. You can make a direct deposit to the following account:
Account Name: Vision Australia
Bank: National Australia Bank
Account: 51-542-6465
BSB: 083-004
Reference: SFR [YOUR NAME]
Please add ‘SFR’ plus your name as a reference, and contact us at fundraising.events@visionaustralia.org to let us know the amount of money you will be banking, so that we can identify that the payment is from you and issue receipts as needed.
Can I give my donors receipts?
Yes, your online donors will automatically be sent a receipt.
Just remember that receipts cannot be given when there is an exchange for goods or services, for example, event tickets, raffle tickets, bake or sausage sales.
How long will my fundraising page stay active for?
Fundraising pages will stay active for 1 year from the campaign.
My fundraising page and dashboard
What can my fundraising page do?
Your fundraising dashboard has access to a whole range of resources, tools and downloads to help you achieve your fundraising goal. Personalise your page with a festive photo, add a blog and share your page.
Your dashboard lets you:
- Modify or increase your fundraising target
- Update your profile and change your password
- Send emails to your connections to ask for donations and track your fundraising
- Create a team and then recruit team members, you can even send emails to your friends to join your team
- Download posters and social media resources to help spread the word
- Send personalised thank you emails
- Accept or delete comments from your amazing donors
How do I update my fundraising goal?
- Log into your dashboard.
- Go to 'My Page’
- Scroll down to 'Fundraising Target'
- Change your goal
- Scroll down and select 'Save Changes' at the bottom of the page
