RACE 1
RACE 1
THE ZOO
THE ZOO
Kick off Sunset Series with a summer evening run in a truly unique setting.
Series entries are now open.
DATE
WEDNESDAY,
3 FEBRUARY 2027
LOCATION
MELBOURNE ZOO, PARKVILLE VIC
START TIME
6:15 PM: 4.7K
7:00PM: 7.7K
DATE
WEDNESDAY,
3 FEBRUARY 2027
LOCATION
MELBOURNE ZOO, PARKVILLE VIC
START TIME
6:30 PM: 4.7K
7:00PM: 7.7K
RUN WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE.
RUN WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE.
The course winds through Melbourne Zoo, bringing together the energy of a city race with a setting you won't experience anywhere else.
Inside the zoo you'll run past some of its incredible wildlife, including lions, snow leopards, dingoes, Tasmanian devils, turtles and more. With the energy of runners around you and plenty to see along the way, this is an evening run like no other.
Our Sunset Series courses are measured by Garmin. To enhance accuracy, we make multiple measurements of the course.
For Race 1 at The Zoo, due to some of the course being undercover and running close to Melbourne CBD, this incurs interferences in locking into satellites. To enhance accuracy, we measure the course multiple times to get as accurate a reading as we can. Course reading as of 19 January 2026 reflects short course at approximately 4.7K and long course at 7.7K.
THE ZOO
TIMETABLE
THE ZOO
TIMETABLE
5:00 PM
Event Village Opens
6:15 PM
4.7K Priority Start*
6:18 PM
4.7K Staggered Start 1
6:21 PM
4.7K Staggered Start 2
6:30 PM
4.7K Start Line Closes
7:00 PM
7.7K Priority Start*
7:03 PM
7.7K Staggered Start 1
7:06 PM
7.7K Staggered Start 2
7:09 PM
7.7K Staggered Start 3
7:15 PM
4.7K Presentation
7:30 PM
7.7K Start Line Closes
8:00 PM
7.7K Presentation
8:30 PM
Finish Line Closes
9:00 PM
Event Concludes
*Any participant who believes they will place in the top 10 in either the 4.7K or 7.7K events will need to start at the front of each race start in the Priority Start. (Male runners under 4min/km and female runners under 4:30min/km).
WHAT'S ON IN THE ZOO EVENT VILLAGE
WHAT'S ON IN THE ZOO EVENT VILLAGE
LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
Enjoy live acoustic music, playing classics all the way to contemporary hits, whilst you enjoy your race day celebrations.
SUNSET BAR
Reserve a table, gather your crew, and settle in for the evening with a drink provided by Local Brewing Co.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Relax post run and enjoy a meal or drink from a selection of food trucks in the event village.
SOLE MOTIVE RACE READY STORE
Last-minute gear, trusted nutrition and expert help for race day.
POST-RACE MASSAGES
Sole Motive will be providing free massages in the Event Village
BROOKS RUNNING
Check out the latest new season Brooks shoes and discover the awesome prizes to be won!
FINISHERS LOUNGE
YOUR TABLE IS WAITING.
YOUR TABLE IS WAITING.
Guarantee a spot with family and friends, or bring a picnic blanket and settle in for the summer vibes with drinks provided by Local Brewing Co.
Book your table when you register, or by clicking the button below after you have registered.
2 Drinks + Table:
$40
4 Drinks + Table:
$70
Buy drinks on the night from:
$12
LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE
EXCLUSIVE SERIES ENTRIES OPEN NOW
SERIES ENTRIES OPEN NOW
Guarantee your spot in all three races during the exclusive series pre-sale period before single race registrations open.
Only 2,000 spots are available - get in quick!
THE FULL-SERIES ADVANTAGE
THREE STARTS.
ONE FINISH.
THREE STARTS.
ONE FINISH.
Sign up to the full Series and turn three summer evenings into one complete achievement.
When you register for the series, you'll get:
FREE Sunset Series 2027 Singlet
Three Collectible Finisher Medals
Savings of up to 20% off your entry
Guaranteed entry to any distance in all three races
PRICING
PRICING
3-RACE SERIES
3-RACE SERIES
Early Bird Pricing ends at 11:59PM on 12 November 2026.
THE ZOO
GENERAL INFORMATION
THE ZOO
GENERAL INFORMATION
4.7K: All children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a guardian. The child's guardian must be entered in the event.
7.7K: Participants must be 8+ years old on race day.
Location: Elliott Ave, Parkville
4.7K Start: 6:15pm
7.7K Start: 7:00pm
Start line closes: 7:30pm
Any participant who believes they will place in the top 10 in either the 4.7K or 7.7K will need to start at the front of each race start in the Priority Start.
Male runners that run under 4min/km and female runners that run under 4:30min/km should start in the Priority Starts for their distance.
All participants must have crossed the finish line by 8:30pm.
Located at approx. every 2.5km on the course.
Bag drop is available during the run/walk. Your race number features a tear-off strip for you to attach to your backpack or clothing bag. Do not leave any valuables in your bag as we cannot accept responsibility for valuables lost or stolen.
Event Guide will be available for download closer to the event.
Public Transport
Go to Public Transport Victoria website for more information. https://www.ptv.vic.gov.au/
BY TRAM Tram 58 “West Coburg to Toorak” runs from William Street in the city center every day, stopping directly outside Melbourne Zoo.
BY TRAIN Trains run from Flinders Street Station on the Upfield line every day, stopping at Melbourne Zoo’s own Royal Park Station.
BY BUSBus route 505 from Moonee Ponds to Melbourne University stops outside Melbourne Zoo.
Car
Parking is available at the Melbourne Zoo car park off Elliot Avenue. Parking is free after 5:00pm. Parking prior to 5:00pm is available at $2 for 5 hours. Please be aware of peak hour traffic congestion. Overflow parking is available at the State Netball Hockey Centre, accessible via Brens Drive, off Elliot Avenue. The Event Village is a short 5 minute walk from here and parking is free.
Bike
Sole Motive will provide plenty of bike parking at the event site. Please make sure to bring your own lock to ensure your bike is secure.
Yes, placegetters will be awarded based on gun time rather than the adjusted time for each run (net time). If any runner wants to place in this event, they must start in the first wave. The top 3 place getters in men and women will receive a medal and prize pack post-race.
PARTNERS