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

Former AFL player Kane Cornes also ran, crossing the line as the opening leg of a double marathon effort in support of Telethon 2026. Cornes intended to back up the Perth race with a second marathon as part of the fundraising effort. The two-race effort added a personal community dimension to his appearance at the festival. Organizers saw a healthy turnout on the day, with the sunny Perth conditions providing a fitting backdrop for both elite and amateur participants.