Toy run keeps Christmas spirit rolling at the Bend
Riders have gathered at The Bend Motorsport Park to help raise funds and collect gifts for those doing it tough this Christmas.
The spirit of one of South Australia’s longest-running charity traditions roared back to life today at Shell V-Power Motorsport Park at The Bend.
Riders gathered for Toys from the Track, a special Christmas charity ride supporting the Vinnies Christmas Appeal.
For more than 40 years, Adelaide’s annual Toy Run has seen thousands of motorcyclists come together to raise funds and collect gifts for those doing it tough at Christmas, with Vinnies receiving most of the donations for over three decades.
However, in 2025 the traditional Toy Run was cancelled after organisers faced a
shortage of volunteers and ongoing venue challenges.
Determined not to let the tradition fade away, and with only two weeks' notice, the team at The Bend stepped in, offering to host a replacement event that would preserve the heart of the Toy Run while giving riders a unique experience.
Sydney and Kristi Hermsen, from Vinnies were thankful for all the people near and far that attended the Toy Run. Photos: Glenn Power
Kristi Hermsen, from Vinnies Adelaide, greeted the riders, as they shut down their rumbling engines and, with the help of her daughter Sydney, welcomed the rider's registrations as they rolled in for Vinnies’ 2025 annual Christmas Toy Run.
“It’s not just about the bikes,” she said.
“It’s about the heart behind it.
"People turn up knowing they’re helping someone have a better Christmas, and that feeling is special.”
Today’s event saw motorcycles take to the circuit for several laps of The Bends iconic GT Circuit behind Santa, combining festive cheer with the thrill of riding one of Australia’s premier motorsport tracks.
Riders paid a $20 registration fee, with every dollar donated directly to the Vinnies Christmas Appeal, and were encouraged to bring toys and gifts for families and individuals in need.
Organisers said the response from the riding community had been overwhelmingly
positive, with many seeing the event as a fitting evolution of a much-loved tradition.
At the Toy Run was Lorraine Smelter of Aberfoyle Park, Julie Halls of Tailem Bend and Shirley Biggs of Mount Barker. Photos: Glenn Power
Julie Halls from Tailem Bend said there had already been conversations about evolving the run in future years, including the idea of starting at Mallala Racecourse, rallying more riders along the way, and finishing at The Bend.
“After what we’ve seen today, I think it would work really well,” Ms Halls said.
“Some people think a finishing with a racetrack run means things would be slower, but that certainly wasn’t the case today — people were giving it a real go, in an extremely safe way.”
While the Toy Run’s format may have changed, its purpose remains the same —
bringing people together to support others at Christmas.
At The Bend today, that message rang loud and clear, proving the Christmas spirit is alive, well, and still riding strong.
“You look around and you can feel the generosity,” Ms Hermsen said.
“Everyone here just wants to make a difference.”
