Thousands of runners lined up at Optus Stadium in Perth on Saturday for the 2026 Perth Running Festival. The event drew competitors from across the country, with elite Kenyan athlete Dominic Ngeno among those taking part.

Former AFL player Kane Cornes also ran, completing the festival as the opening leg of a double marathon effort in support of Telethon 2026. Cornes was set to follow the Perth race with a second marathon as part of the fundraising effort. The double marathon challenge added a personal community dimension to his participation at the festival. Organizers saw a healthy turnout on the day, with the morning conditions at the venue providing a solid stage for both elite and amateur participants.