The Long Run 2027: Everything You Need to Know

On Friday, 22 January 2027, from 6am to 6pm, The Long Run returns to Malvern Park and to communities across Aotearoa. Five years ago, The Long Run started with a simple idea: bring people together to support Kiwi kids facing childhood cancer. In 2027, we're aiming higher than ever, together we'll raise $500,000, complete 100,000 laps, and surpass $1 million raised since it began.

Whether you're at Malvern Park or taking part virtually from anywhere in New Zealand, every kilometre counts. Set your goal, rally your whānau, friends or workplace, and help make our fifth year the biggest yet.

100,000 laps. $500,000 raised. One million reasons to run.

The Weather

There’s no postponement date, but in the unlikely event of cancellation, you’ll hear from us by Thursday, 21 January.

Here is everything you need to know as we count down to event week:

Registration and Bib Collection

Online registrations close on Sunday 17 January at 9:00pm. Don't worry, you can still register for the event in person at Rugby Park from Tuesday 19 January to Thursday 21 January between 8:30am - 4:00pm and also on the day of the event at Malvern Park.

All registered participants receive a bib with a tracking strip so your laps count toward your total and the collective goal. If you have registered via our Raisely site, your bib will be available for collection at the following times:

Tuesday 19 January to Thursday 21 January from 8.30am to 4:00Pm at Rugby Park Reception (cnr Malvern &
From 5.00am on Friday 22 January at Malvern Park

Team Marquees

Teams bringing marquees can set up at Malvern Park on Thursday 21 January between 4.00pm and 7.00pm. Security will be onsite overnight. Due to irrigation systems under the field, marquees cannot be pegged into the ground and must be safely weighted with sandbags or approved weights. All marquees must be fully set up by 5.30am on event day.

Parking and Traffic

A traffic management plan will be in place from 5.30am on Friday. Expect limited parking, one way flow on Malvern Street, reduced lanes on Innes Road, and controlled access around the park. To keep everyone safe and keep the track clear, dogs and bikes are not permitted on or near the running loop.

Key Timings for Friday 22 January

5.00am Registration opens
5.30am Traffic management plan active
5.30am Team marquees must be set up
6.00am The Long Run begins
7.00am Coffee Skills onsite
10.15am Crusaders training
10.30am Food trucks begin trading
1.30pm Crusaders player connection
5:50pm The Long Run Last Lap

Food, Hydration, and Onsite Experience

Malvern Park will be full of energy throughout the day, with food trucks operating from mid morning and Coffee Skills arriving from 7.00am. Water and sunblock will be available, but please bring your own as we expect a large crowd.

Long distance runners must plan and manage their own nutrition and hydration needs across the day.

Aotea Virtual Challenge

If you cannot be with us in Christchurch, you can still take part through the Aotea Virtual Challenge. From 22 to 24 January, participants around the world can complete their own kilometres in a 48 hour window. Every kilometre logged contributes toward our 100,000 lap target and helps raise vital funds for the Child Cancer Foundation.

Register online, join the Strava club, complete your kilometres anywhere, and share your journey with the Crusaders community. If Strava is not your thing, simply upload your activity proof and we will count your effort. Wherever you are, you can join the Long Run and help make a real impact.

We're on Strava!

Follow the Crusaders and join the Official Long Run Track or the Aotea Virtual Challenge. See how you go against your peers and take part from anywhere in the world!

Scan the QR code below and follow the prompt to get started.

Join Us

More information on how to register, get involved, and donate are coming soon!

The Long Run is not about how far we go. It is about who we go with and the impact we make together.

Prizes

The Child Cancer Foundation have kindly sourced some prizes for the below categories, as a thank you for all your enthusiasm and mahi. Some winners will be announced during the event (Best dressed) and some post event (Most laps). As the funds continue to roll in the weeks following the event, we will announce the top fundraisers at our first home game of the season, when we present CCF with their cheque.