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Trail
2.5 mile
4.0 kilometer
loop
99% Runnable
Easy/Intermediate
Elevation
Ascent:
128'
39 m
Descent: -126' -39 m
High: 105' 32 m
Low: 14' 4 m
Grade
Avg Grade: 2% (1°)
Max Grade: 6% (4°)
Dogs
Leashed
Weather
Unknown
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“The most popular (for good reason) walking track in Melbourne.”
— Tom Robson
Features
Views
Overview
Without a doubt this is Melbourne's most popular walking track. Head out to the Tan to see why!
Need to Know
The start/end point on this run is arbitrary. You should hop on/off this track wherever you see fit.
As an added bonus to this awesome run, there are drinking fountains littered throughout.
As an added bonus to this awesome run, there are drinking fountains littered throughout.
Runner Notes
This is some of the best running in Melbourne. See if you can beat previous best times, posted on the back of the two clocks on opposite halves of the track.
This track plays host to the annual "Go the Tan" run.
This track plays host to the annual "Go the Tan" run.
Description
This wide dirt track is Melbourne's answer for most of its exercise-hungry residents. For a loop situated deep inside the city's CBD, it seems to check off all of the necessary boxes:
- Easily accessed from downtown
- Built for all abilities (dog walkers, joggers, and olympians)
- Scenic views either of the city itself or of the Botanic Gardens
History & Background
Established in 1901 as part of developing Alexandria Avenue, the name "Tan" comes from the tan-bark surfacing they used for the equestrian path. In 1974, the track was resurfaced, car parking on the track was banned, and the loop was created.
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Flora & Fauna
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Trail Run Project is part of the REI Co-op family,
where a life outdoors is a life well lived.
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