A vibe you
can't describe
Connor's Run has always been about more fun than run. Walk, jog or dance your way along the beautiful bay to the finish line with entertainment every step of the way, all while raising funds and awareness for kids with brain cancer.
If you prefer a shorter stroll, there’s the 3km loop at the finish line. Can't make it to the in person Melbourne event? No worries! Participate from anywhere in the world throughout the month of September, Your Way, Any Day.
Everyone who registers for Connor’s Run Melbourne, Sunday September 15, will also get access to Your Way Any Day, so make sure you share your month of Connor’s Run with us on socials #connorsrun @rcdfoundation
CREATURE OF HABIT
Do you want to stick to the Connor’s Run traditional distances of 18.8km or 9.6km? Or what about our new 3km Little Bird Loop!
PARTY ANIMAL
Celebrate your achievement with DJs, bands, yoga & fun activations at the finish line. Invite your friends to cheer you on! Plus our awesome Arbory After Party is back, so you can keep the party going!
HOMEBODY
Can't make it to Melbourne this September? Why not register for Connor's Run Your Way Any Day. Set your own challenge, anywhere, anytime. Run, walk, or roll – every step counts!
INFLUENCER-ISH
Tag your efforts on Instagram with @rcdfoundation and #connorsrun #aeternumfortis #IWILL. If you’re not on Instagram, email us your photos and you might just get famous on our story info@connorsrun.com
As far as your heart desires or your brain will let you
Frequently Asked Questions
HOW MUCH DOES CONNOR'S RUN COST?
This year we have Extra Early Bird pricing for 12 days from launch on 2nd May until 14th May. Regular Early Bird pricing ends on the 9th June - Connor's birthday.
Connor's Run Your Way Any Day + Fun Run and Party
Extra Early Bird Adult $60 | Youth $40
Early Bird Adult $65 | Youth $45
Regular Adult $75 | Youth $55
Connor's Run Your Way Any Day
Extra Early Bird Adult $45 | Youth $25
Early Bird Adult $50 | Youth $30
Regular Adult $60 | Youth $40
If you register 4-6 people in one transaction, you will automatically receive a 10%discount at checkout. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.
All ticket prices include a limited edition Connor’s Run Tee. Postage and handling for the Tee and any merchandise ordered is $15.
CAN I UPGRADE MY TICKET?
We only have limited spots for the Connor’s Run event day, so we suggest you purchase the Fun Run & Party ticket (which also gives you access to Your Way Any Day) so you don’t miss out!
However we also have an option to upgrade from a Your Way, Any Day ticket to the event day ticket when you’re logged into your account. Go to event options and select upgrade. Upgrades cost $15.
WHAT DO I DO IF I CAN NO LONGER TAKE PART IN CONNOR'S RUN?
Please email info@connorsrun.com to let us know so we can update our records. Unfortunately, entry fees are not refundable if you are no longer able to participate. You can still do Connor's Run Your Way Any Day- anywhere in the world!
WHEN WILL I GET MY T-SHIRT?
For anyone who registers prior to the middle of August your running kit and any merchandise you ordered during registration will be delivered to the address you nominatd during the last week of August, ready for Your Way Any Day from the 1st September.
Anyone who registers in the last weeks of August, we will still deliver your kit as quickly as possible but it will be after 1st September.
Anyone who registers after the 1st September, you will need to collect your rego kit from Start 1 (Ferdinando Gardens, Hampton) Saturday morning (the day before the run). Or at your designated start on the morning of the Run. Shipping charges still apply, due to the logistical costs associated with late registration.
*Your Way Any Day registration packs will still be delivered.
ON EVENT DAY, HOW DO I GET THERE AND HOW DO I GET HOME?
You will need to make your own way to your start. We strongly recommend you take public transport or a rideshare as parking can be tricky.
The 3 Little Birds 3km Loop starts and finishes at the finish party, Peppercorn Lawn, Alexander Gardens, Melbourne. The start time is 10.30am.
Flinders Street Station is about a 5 minute walk away, as well as the Swanston Street/St Kilda Road trams near Federation Square.
View on maps
The 18.8km Hampton start leaves from Ferdinando Gardens/Beach Rd, Hampton. The start time is 8am.
Take the Sandringham line to Hampton St station.
View on maps
The 9.6km St Kilda starts are at Catani Gardens, St Kilda. There are two start times, 8am and 9.30am.
View on maps
GETTING HOME
You will need to make your own way home from the finish party.
If you're heading back to Hampton you can take the Sandringham line from Flinders Street Station. If you are going back to St Kilda you can take trams: 3a, 16, or 96.
IS THERE A BAG DROP?
Whilst we do have a bag-drop facility, it is limited in its capacity, so we ask you to avoid using the bag drop if you can. If you do need to use it, please make sure the bag can be closed fully and easily labelled. We ask all walkers to carry their own bag and not check them in. Your bag will be transported to the finish line - available to collect after the run, on the grassed area behind the rowing sheds.
We will look after them but we do not accept responsibility for lost or damaged goods left with the bag drop.
Hot tip: Organise to share a bag as a group!
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
- There will be water/Gatorade stops along the way, every three or so kilometres. If you need more fluids, pick up a CR water bottle on the day for $5.
- Your Myki card for a return trip on public transport.
- EFTPOS card if you’d like to purchase RCD Foundation merchandise, food or drinks at the finish line.
- Don't forget to fill out your "I WILL" statement on your bib. You can do this at home, or you'll get a chance before the run. Connor's "I WILL" was "I WILL be awesome".
- If you have asthma please bring your own medication. Our first aid is not legally allowed to carry these.
If you don't want to run in your CR Tee, you can purchase a dry fit singlet ($25, limited quantities available) at either start points. We’ll also have water bottles, caps, visors, and a limited number of other popular RCD merchandise items available.
CAN I BRING A PRAM OR PARTICIPATE IN A WHEELCHAIR?
Course Map
OR CLICK HERE
Your impact so far
2013
1500 participants raised $115,000 |
2014
2000 participants raised $250,000 |
2015
2500 participants raised $400,000 |
2016
3600 participants raised $600,000 |
2017
4000 participants raised $782,000 |
2018
4500 participants raised $1,000,000 |
2019
5000 participants raised $1,200,000 |
2020
4000 participants raised $1,375,000 |
20214000 participants raised $2,080,000 |
2022
4500 participants raised $2,060,000 |
2023
4500 participants raised $1,800,000 |
How Connor's Run Started
In September 2011, 17-year-old Robert Connor Dawes ran from his home in Sandringham to the boatsheds on the Yarra. He'd started his training for the upcoming rowing season early, as he wanted to make the Brighton Grammar 1st VIII. Not loving running, he did the 18.8 km because he was determined to be the best he could be. Little did he know that in his head was more than fierce determination: there was also a tumour growing. Connor had unknowingly begun his battle.
Two months later, Connor was diagnosed with an anaplastic ependymoma. Major surgery resulted in loss of movement to his right side, impaired vision and severe short term memory loss. His body was broken, but his mind was not. He was determined to improve and spent hours each day on his physical and mental rehabilitation. Intense radiation and later chemotherapy followed. But throughout all this, Connor never stopped smiling. He stayed positive, philosophical and true to his mantra: "I will be awesome".
At school, his friends sold t-shirts and wristbands with his name and the phrase "Aeternum Fortis" meaning "Eternal Strength". It reflected Connor's inspiring spirit as he battled through every adversity coming his way. Now, Aeternum Fortis is our eternal reminder of the amazing person he was and the gifts he left us. Connor's Run is your chance to show your support. It's 18.8 km that Connor ran on that day, and coincidentally his life's length. Instead of 10 km, we chose his birthday 9th June (9.6 km). Participants also write a positive affirmation on their bib, inspired by Connor's very own declaration to his yoga instruction during his treatment, that he "will be awesome".
Over the past 10 years, Connor’s Run has evolved into Australia’s biggest event for paediatric brain cancer with thousands of young runners now participating in the event. Many come back year after year, each time generating more funds raised and more attention for the #1 cancer killer in young Australians. The event has been covered on Channel 7 and 9 news, as well as The Today Show and Weekend Sunrise. The Robert Connor Dawes Foundation has garnered support from a number of high-profile ambassadors like Olympian James Tomkins, actress Lisa McCune, athlete Tamsyn Lewis Manou and comedian Dave Hughes.
