PRESS RELEASE: Run the Tan 2026 Delivers Record Performances, World-Class Racing and Community Impact
Melbourne’s iconic Tan Track set the stage for a standout edition of Run the Tan 2026, delivering world-class performances, record-breaking moments, and a powerful community impact — all in support of mental health.
Held over the famous 3.827km circuit, the one-lap challenge once again proved its reputation as one of Australia’s most honest races — one lap, one hill, no hiding — attracting elite athletes, para champions, schools, and over a thousand community participants.
Elite Highlights: Fast, Relentless, Unforgiving
The Elite races delivered high-intensity, world-class competition across both the men’s and women’s fields.
In the Elite Men’s race, Callum Davies surged to victory in a tightly contested finish:
• 🥇 Callum Davies – 10:31.47
In the Elite Women’s race, Olympian Linden Hall delivered a defining performance to equal the all-time course record:
• 🥇 Linden Hall – 11:31.42 (Equal All-Time Record)
Matching Jessica Hull’s 2023 benchmark, Hall’s run reinforces the Tan Track as a proven stage for elite middle-distance excellence.
In the Elite Para event — one of the largest gatherings of elite para-athletes in Australia — Paralympian Michael Roeger produced a historic run:
• 🥇 Michael Roeger (T46) – 10:53.10 (NEW All-Time Record)
Further history came from John Meagher (M60–64), who broke his own age category record in 13:19.48, continuing his remarkable Run the Tan legacy.
King & Queen of the Hill: A Race Within the Race
The iconic Anderson Street climb once again delivered one of the most explosive moments of the day — a short, sharp test of power where there is no room to hide.
• 👑 King of the Hill: Grant Grosvenor – 1:10.77
• 👑 Queen of the Hill: Linden Hall – 1:25.29
Both winners claimed $1,000 each, supported by the Bennelong Foundation.
Battle of the Schools: The Next Generation Steps Up
The Battle of the Schools once again showcased the future of Australian running, delivering one of the most competitive editions to date:
• 22+ schools represented
• 450+ students competing
Champion Schools
• 🏆 Boys Champions: Haileybury
• 🏆 Girls Champions: Ruyton Girls’ School
Standout individual performances included:
• Fastest Boy: Jack Larner – 11:37
• Fastest Girl: Harper Frazer – 13:20
More Than a Race: A Movement for Mental Health
At its core, Run the Tan continues to drive meaningful impact beyond the finish line.
Since its inception, the event has raised over $300,000 for local mental health charities, supporting organisations including Lifeline Australia, Black Dog Institute and R U OK?.
Fundraising for the 2026 event remains open, with participants and supporters encouraged to continue contributing.
Donations can still be made at: runthetan.net
Community, Celebrities and Connection
Run the Tan 2026 brought together elite sport and community spirit, with a strong lineup of high-profile participants in the Celebrity Challenge, held in honour of Shane Warne.
Notable participants included Dyson Heppell, Dave Hughes, Jackson Warne, Andrew Dillon (CEO AFL), and Tom Steinfort, all supporting mental health awareness.
Looking Ahead
With record performances, growing participation, and meaningful fundraising impact, Run the Tan continues to establish itself as:
• A premier short-course race in Australia
• A leading platform for elite para sport
• A community-driven movement supporting mental health
Planning is already underway for Run the Tan 2027, with ambitions to further elevate both performance standards and community reach.
The event will continue to be held on the first Sunday after school holidays in late April — a deliberately chosen date that supports strong community participation, aligns with the athletics calendar, and enables athletes, schools, and families to engage without competing scheduling pressures.
📅 Save the Date: Sunday 18 April 2027
