You'll Need to Awaken the Force for Australia's New Star Wars-Themed Neon Fun Run

Han Solo famously made the Kessel Run in 12 parsecs, Anakin Skywalker pod-raced his way to freedom and now Australian Star Wars fans can jog their way around a neon-hued galaxy. Even better — Aussie aficionados of George Lucas' space saga can not only run five kilometres through themed zones lit up brighter than a lightsaber, but also enjoy an intergalactic after party at the end of it.

As part of 2019's 'May the Fourth' celebrations, Melbourne will welcome the first-ever Aussie Star Wars Neon Run. Yes, it's taking place on the appropriate date of Saturday, May 4, 2019, aka Star Wars day. Once evening hits, a yet-to-be-revealed Melbourne location will feel the force in a big way, and so will everyone choosing to walk, jog or sprint through spaces inspired by the series' stories, characters and icons.

You'll be honouring your favourite movie franchise while exercising underneath neon light shows and fireworks, with the specifics — not only where it'll take place, but which figures will pop up, which music act will be playing the gig afterwards, what the interactive areas will entail and how much merchandise will be on offer — yet to be revealed. That said, this event has the official stamp of approval. The Walt Disney Company Australia is behind the Star Wars Neon Run, and given that it's the Aussie arm of the global company that owns, makes and releases all things Star Wars, you can expect the main event village and everything around it to be filled to the brim with appropriate theming.

Tickets for this fun run-slash-Star Wars party don't come cheap, starting at $55 per person in the event pre-sale. If you're gathering the gang, forming a Rebel Alliance — aka running as a team — is welcome. All attendees will receive access to the run, main event village and shenanigans afterwards, plus a race bib, a Star Wars Neon Run headband and a sound-activated flashband as well. If you finish, you'll also receive a limited edition finisher's medal that'll make you the envy of any cantina you walk into.

And, unsurprisingly, dressing up in costume is highly recommended. We all want to know whether Rey can beat Princess Leia in a footrace, after all — or whether Chewbacca, R2-D2 or BB-8 is the fastest sidekick.

The Star Wars Neon Run takes place on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at a yet-to-be-announced location in Melbourne, with pre-sale tickets available now.