A-Z Guide to the Bendigo Ford Fun Run
Age Limits
What is the minimum or maximum age? Can my child run by themselves or do they need an adult?
Age limits for each event are listed in our “Terms and Conditions” (See “About” tab on website.) Participants under the age of 18 years will need parental permission. Children under the age of 13 years must be accompanied by an adult.
Bag Drop
Is there a bag drop service?
Yes, we will be providing a complimentary Bag Drop for all participants at this event. You will need to pull off the bottom strip of your participant bib and arrange your own bag to help with organisation.
We recommend using an insulated, zippable, green bags (ie. Woolworths or Coles-type) as they can be enclosed and the bag tags easily attached to the straps / handles.
No responsibility is taken for any valuables left at Bag Drop.
Bibs
You can look-up and search for your bib number here >
Where and when can I collect my bib?
You can collect your participant bib at the following times:
Rosalind Park Event Village:
Saturday 2nd March: 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Sunday 3rd March: From 6:30am onwards.
Bibs will NOT be posted out prior to the event.
All participants must wear their bib on their front during the event at all times.
Any participant not wearing a bib during the event will be asked to leave the event course.
Bikes, Dogs, Prams
Can I bring my dog, bike or pram?
Sorry, but no dogs are allowed on course or at the Event Village (Assistance Dogs excepted).
Prams are permitted in each event (excluding the Team Relay), but must start at the rear of the field, take extreme care and be alert to other participants.
Bikes are not permitted on the course.
Car Parking
What parking is available?
The city hosts a variety of carparks within easy walking distance including two multi storey carparks in Hargreaves Street and Edward Street. There is also parking available at the QEO carpark via View Street.
Courses / Course Maps
The courses are a mixture of walking / bike paths and closed roads around the centre of Bendigo.
Course maps may be found on our website under the “Events” tab. Simply find your event and scroll down to locate the map.
COVID
What is the event’s COVIDSafe Plan?
Please check out our COVIDSafe page (https://www.bendigofordfunrun.com.au/covidsafe/) for all of the details and requirements around COVID and our event.
What happens if the event is cancelled due to COVID-19?
If the event is cancelled due to COVID-19 participants will automatically be transferred to the next alternatively scheduled event. Participants may request a refund of 80% of their registration entry fee or donate 100% of their entry fee to our charity partner. Please see “Terms and Conditions” for further information.
Changing events
How can I change events?
Please email us at info@rosalindevents.com.au with your request and we will try to accommodate you. No refunds are available for change of events. A flat $10 administration fee will be payable to all event transfers.
Cut Off Times
To reduce the time commitment of our volunteers and our road closure teams, there are cut off times for the following events:
- Half Marathon: 3 hours.
- 10km: 2 hours.
- 5km: 1.5 hours
- 1km Junior Dash: 30 minutes.
Participants outside of these cut off times will not be formally removed from the course, but will need to obey all normal road rules. Unfortunately, they will not receive an official electronic time in the official results.
Dogs?
Sorry, but no dogs are allowed on course or at the Event Village (Assistance Dogs excepted).
Donations to Bendigo Health
Can I make an additional donation to Bendigo Health?
Yes! Absolutely, these can be made online here (https://www.bendigohealthfoundation.org.au/) at any time.
Participants can also make an optional donation when they register, too.
Elite Starts
Whilst there are no special provisions for ‘Elite Starts’ at this event, we STRONGLY encourage faster runners to be in first wave for their respective events.
Entries
How do I enter?
You can enter online at any time up until midnight on Saturday 4th March 2023 via our registration portal.
What are the pricing periods?
‘Early Bird’ entries close at midnight Wednesday 31st January 2024.
‘Regular’ entries from 1st February to midnight Friday 1st March 2024.
‘Late’ entries 2nd March to 15 minutes prior to race start.
Event Schedule:
SATURDAY
3:00pm – 5:00pm – Bib collection
SUNDAY
6:30am – Bib Collection opens.
7:50am – Half Marathon Pre-Race Briefing and Welcome
8:00am – Start of Half Marathon.
8:25am – 1km Pre-Race Briefing and Welcome
8:30am – Start of 1km Junior Dash, presented by Jenny’s ELC.
8:50am – 10km Pre-Race Briefing and Welcome
9:00am – Start of 10km Fun Run
9:35am – 5km Pre-Race Briefing and Welcome
9:45am – Start of 5km Run / Walk and Business Challenge – WAVE 1, presented by TSFN and Physiotherapy Centre Bendigo.
9:50am – Start of 5km Run / Walk and Business Challenge – WAVE 2, presented by TSFN and Physiotherapy Centre Bendigo.
10:30am – Presentations
11:00am – Course closed.
11:30am – Roads reopen to traffic.
Event Village
What will be at the event village?
We are preparing a series of exciting activities for the whole family as part of our event village, including the latest and greatest Bendigo Ford vehicles, Triple M radio presenters, face-painting provided by Jenny’s ELC, coffee, drinking fountain provided by Coliban Water and a free photo booth by Bendigo Photos.
In addition, there’ll be ample space for families to bring their picnic rugs and relax and enjoy the morning.
First Aid
Is there first aid on the course?
First aid marshals will be available at the start / finish line, as well on course to assist if required.
Kids and their parents
In the kids dash, participants will all start together. Parents and guardians may accompany their children at no cost.
Location
Where is the event held?
All events start in the heart of Bendigo in the beautiful Rosalind Park. There are several entry points to the Park along Pall Mall and via the QEO carpark via View Street.
Medals
Are there finishers medals?
Yes, there will be finisher medals provided in 2023 for all participants as they cross the finish line.
Merchandise
Can I buy merch on the day?
Merchandise should be ordered via the website prior to the event. There will be limited merchandise available for purchase on the day, however, we cannot guarantee availability.
Please visit our Merchandise page for more details. (https://www.bendigofordfunrun.com.au/merchandise/)
Music
Can I wear my earphones / headphones / iPod / iPhone whilst running?
No: Not in the start / finish chutes whilst our marshals are providing directions and instructions.
Yes: Once you are out of the start / finish chutes and areas you can plug in the volume. We ask that you keep the volume at a reasonable level so that you can maintain awareness of other participants around you and still receive directions or instructions from our marshals. This is both for your safety and the enjoyment of all.
Prizes / Presentations
The overall place getters in each event (1st, 2nd, 3rd) in male and female will each receive a prize pack from our event sponsors and partners. Please check the event schedule for our Presentation time. Please listen out for Public Address announcements on the day.
Photos
Official event photographs are available through our official event photographer, Bendigo Photos. You can expect to receive a link to view photos within 48 hours after the event.
There will also be a photo booth at the finish line to capture the special day, too.
If you do not wish your photograph to be taken, please cross your arms when you see our snap happy photographer. (Photographs may be used for future promotional purposes.)
Refunds
What happens if I withdraw? Are there cancellation fees or are refunds available if I withdraw or cannot run?
A refund of 80% of registration fees paid will be available for withdrawals more than 30 days prior to the event.
No refunds are available less than 30 days prior to the event.
Results
What was my time or place? Where can I find my results?
Our results are recorded and published electronically using the participant bibs. You can access your results via our Results page (https://www.bendigofordfunrun.com.au/results/).
Start Procedures
Each event – except for the 1km Junior Dash – will feature wave starts to allow spacing out on course. Each wave will set off at five minute intervals. Athletes can select their preference upon sign-up.
All results are taken on ‘net time’, meaning that a participant’s time begins when they cross the timing matt at the start line and will stop when they cross the finishing matt.
We ask that faster runners self-seed towards the front of the event and those who are slower or intend to walk self-seed towards later waves.
Participants in the 1km Junior Dash will all start together.
For information on Elite Starts, please look under ‘E’ for Elite Starts.
Toilets / Showers
Where are the toilets located? Are there shower facilities after the event?
Portable toilets will be located in the Event Village, behind the Bendigo Visitor Information Centre, at the QEO and near the water / aid station near the 10km & Half Marathon turnaround.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide shower facilities.
Volunteer
We acknowledge and appreciate the many volunteers and volunteer groups who help make this event happen. We couldn’t do it without you.
If you’d like to help on event day and join our Volunteer team, please visit our Volunteer page (https://www.bendigofordfunrun.com.au/volunteer/)
This is a great way to get involved in the event and enjoy being up close to the action. Even if it’s just for an hour or three, it would be greatly appreciated.
Water / Aid Stations
Where are the drink stations along the route?
There is water freely available at the start / finish area in Rosalind Park, courtesy of Coliban Water.
On course, there are two drink stations located on the course on Bridge Street and on the Bendigo Creek Trail near the 10km turnaround in White Hills. There is also a drink station for Half Marathon participants near the event village as they start their second lap.
Weather
What will the weather be like? What happens if it rains?
Bendigo weather in autumn remains warm with averages between 13’c – 25’c. Rainfall is usually low. In the unlikely event of rain, all events will proceed.
If the weather is set to exceed 35’c, we may adjust the schedule of events for the day or reduce the duration of some events.
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