Runners Guide

Thank you for participating in the 11th Annual Run for the Young presented by Bridge Builders Youth Charity, happening on Sunday 24th November 2024.
The following guide has been split into 3 sections; pre-race, race day, and post-race to provide you with all the important information you need for the event.

PRE-RACE

Event Details

Date: Sunday 24th November 2024
Venue: Mount Lilydale Mercy College – 120 Anderson Street, Lilydale, Victoria. 
Time: Marathon starts 7am (with stagged times for remaining categories) and concludes approximately 1pm. Registration will be open from 5:30am.

Entrants will be able to register to participate in all categories up to Saturday the 23rd of November at midday. Any entries on or after the 23rd will be considered an on the day registration and please note that race bibs are limited.

Race entry cap

There is currently no entry cap. However, there are limited entries available in each category and may sell out prior to race day.

Age Guidelines

We encourage participants to consider their endurance capability at a younger age, and encourage the following minimum age guidelines.
Marathon 16yo+
Half Marathon 14yo+
10km event 8yo+

Will my race bib be posted?

Early bird entries will be mailed.  Entries after that will be available for local pick up, in store at The Running Company Lilydale. Race bibs will also be available for pick up the day before the event. 

How do I collect my race bib?

If you register after mail out orders, you can collect your race bib in store locally at the Lilydale Running Company, the day before the event at the event location or on the morning at registration.

Can I swap between categories?

Transfers of entries are allowed and to do so you must email runfortheyoung@bridgebuilders.com.au

In doing so, participants must pay the difference if the new entry is more expensive than the original entry. You will not receive a refund for the portion of your entry fee if you downgrade, for example if you enter the marathon for $65 and then choose to downgrade to the Half Marathon which costs $55, you will forfeit the $10 difference.

What merchandise is available?

There is a range of merchandise items available for purchase, from performance singlets to caps, to collapsible cups! You can view and purchase these items from our website.

Fundraise for the Cause!

The Run for the Young is a charity fundraiser for Bridge Builders Youth Charity and you can help raise more funds to support young people in need. If you would like to fundraise for the cause, click the link below and it will take you to our official fundraising page.

RACE DAY

Event Location

We are incredibly excited to partner with Mount Lilydale Mercy College for our 2022 event. The location is 120 Anderson Street, Lilydale, Victoria, 3140.

Parking

Free parking is available for participants in the designated Event Car Parking Area (which is located onsite. It is only a short walk to the Start line, which will be marked and directed by signage. See the site map for details.

Start times

Registration will be open from 5:30am. If you have pre-registered (which is advised) simple wear your bib and proceed to the start/finish line. Registrations after the 30th September will need to be picked up on the day before the event, or on the day from the bib pick up point at registration on the day. We are introducing staggered start times due to the increase in participant numbers;
42.2 km Event – 7am
21.1 km Event – 7:30am
10 km Event – 8am
5 km Event – 10am
2.5 km Kids Run – 11am

Bag drop

On the morning of the event you can organise to leave your gear at bag drop, to be collected at the end of your event.
• Individual items only may be placed within the bag, such as a change of clothes, light weight jacket, water bottle and post-race snacks.
• After your run you will be asked to show your bib to collect your bag.
• Any valuables such as wallets, keys or phones placed in these bags are at your
own risk. The event team will take care of your belongings, but no responsibility will be taken for valuables or clothing that are lost or damaged.

Elevation Map

Course Maps

You can access all the course maps for each event here

Course surface

The majority of all events are on a gravel trail. It is sturdy underfoot. If you have not done much running on this type of surface we would advise you do so prior to participating in Run for the Young. Participants in the 10km, 21km and 42km events get to experience the beautiful surrounds of the Warburton Trail, towards Woori Yallock while the 2.5km kids run and the 5km event also experience the Warburton Trail in the direction of Coldstream.

Drink stations

All drink stations will be approximately 3 to 4 kilometers apart, so there is ample hydration on course. Our friendly volunteers will have provisions for water and Tailwind Nutrition as the electrolyte source at each station. Tailwind Nutrition will be pre-mixed, flavour will be dependent. A reminder our drink stations are plastic cup free, so you will need to BYO reusable cup, or purchase one of our collapsible cups.

First Aid

The Run for the Young has engaged an external service to provide first aid on the day. They will be positioned at 3 points – the start/finish line, at the turn around point for the Half Marathon and the turn around point for the Marathon. If you have any enquiries or need to discuss any special requirements with the first aid officers please connect with our team prior to your event starting on the morning.

Timing

All events are professionally timed. For those participants in the 42km marathon you will be able to use your results as qualifier for some other marathon events, including Two Bays. Please note: Results from the Run for the Young may not be eligible for qualifying in all marathon events, please check before hand.
You can be assured that this course has been measured and is accurate.
In order to receive an accurate time, runners should ensure:
• Bibs are clearly visible on the front of the torso and not covered (e.g. by a jumper).
• Bib tag is unaltered and unmodified – please do not bend or fold your bib.
The 42km Marathon event will be open for 6 hours approx, closing at 1pm.

Pacers

We are thrilled to have pacers for the very first time in 2023! Please see the list of pacers below;

Toilets facilities

There will be toilets located at the start/finish line. We are also supplying portable toilets at the start/finish line and at the half marathon turn around point on course, there are also public toilets at two locations along the Warburton Trail should you choose to use these at your own leisure. These are located in Mt Evelyn and Seville.

Food/coffee

There will be multiple food/drinks vendors at the start/finish line where you can purchases food and beverages. We will also try our best to include vegetarian and vegan options. All participants are responsible for provisions of their own meals and snacks in the lead up to, during and post event. The Run for the Young team will have provisions of water and Tailwind at all drink stations as previously stated.

Headphones/music

Use of headphones is permitted; however we would encourage you to keep the volume to a level where you are still able to take directions from our team. There are multiple road crossings and your safety is a high priority.

Dog friendly event!

Our event is dog friendly! But please make sure they are on a lead at all times, and to clean up after your dog.

Prams and other equipment

The use of prams and other equipment such as wheel chairs and walking poles are permitted across all categories. Please keep in mind that the course has a bit of undulation.

Access of all abilities

Our event is completely inclusive, and we encourage all people with varying abilities to participate. Entrants with a varied ability, including those with visual impairment are allowed to have a guide enter free of charge. Please use the code GUIDE when purchasing an entry for your guide. Please keep in mind that entrants enter the run at their own risk.

POST RACE

Finisher medals

Your finisher medal will be waiting for you at the finish line. We know this is a very exciting part to concluding your run and our friendly vollies will be excited to hand this to you.

Event Village

The Event Village will be situated near the start/finish line. This area will foster a range of exciting activities including sponsors marquees, food and beverages, giveaways, entertainment stage, and a cool down zone.

Podium finishes

If you finish your event in 1st, 2nd or 3rd place please make your way to the podium for a photo. Be sure to collect your prize!! Podium photos will be taken approximately 30mins after the 3rd place runner has passed the finish line.

Photos

Professional photos from the event will be available a couple of days after the event. Photo’s will be made available on our website.

Results

Results will be available online soon after the race, where you will also be able to download your finisher’s certificate.

Our wonderful event partners for 2023 are