
The Kids Fun Run with Puffing Billy
26 November 2023
'Kids Running For Kids'
The Kids Fun Run
In recent years the Kids Fun Run has supported The Monash Children’s Cancer Centre which is an integral part of the new Monash Children’s Hospital and cares for approximately 30% of Victoria’s childhood cancer patients.
In 2023 our Kids Fun Run With Puffing Billy will be supporting the same wonderful cause.
Cost of entry in a run - $25 per child
Train Rides
Joyrides - $10
Train Rides on Puffing Billy

2022 Wrap Up
- Puffing Billy Railways
- Ferntree Gully Motor Group
- Emerald Co-op – Mitre 10 & Barry Plant Emerald
- Yarra Valley Snack Foods – The Wholesome Food Company
- Thats Right Bookkeeping
- Bicycle Superstore
- Toot Toot Toys
History of Kids Fun Run with Thomas
The inaugural Kids Fun Run with Thomas was held in October 2002. The annual event has grown to become the signature fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Emerald & District Inc. raising over $671,000 since its inception.
In keeping with the Fun Run’s theme of ‘Kids Helping Kids’, all of the money raised has been donated to projects supporting and assisting children. The Fun Run is structured around 5 events, where kids aged 3 to 8 years, run against Thomas the Tank Engine, and a 6th event sees 9 to 12 year olds running against Puffing Billy.
From the beginning, the Kids Fun Run with Thomas was seen to be multi faceted. It was viewed as not only a fund raising event, but also a community service event. With entertainment in the park, it has grown to be a ‘Family Fun Day’, and offers local groups the opportunity to conduct their own fundraising and promotes the township of Gembrook.
In recognition of the level of success that the event has enjoyed, in 2010 the ‘Kids Fun Run with Thomas’ was awarded the Cardinia Shire ‘Community Projects Award’ and in 2011 was awarded the Rotary District 9810 ‘Community Service Award’. Rotary International Awarded the Club with a Significant Achievement Award for the event in 2015.