Over 3,000 people registered to attend or take part in the Aotea Virtual Long Run from a distance on Friday. The support shown from our community has been absolutely phenomenal.
Our goal of 25,000 laps was reached by 2pm and finished on an incredible 40,042 laps. Friday closed with a total of $179,243 raised but is still climbing. As of Wednesday afternoon, the total is over $228,000 raised for The Child Cancer Foundation – nearing our goal of $250,000. Both a reflection of the huge increase in corporates and participants.
The day began with the Hirt Lab HIIT session in Malvern Park under flood lights before the start line countdown at 6am officially opened The Long Run 2025. Joggers got around the parks before heading to mahi, walkers took to the track with their morning coffee, and others began the same way they continued throughout the entire 12 hours – running.
There were so many incredible people taking part, including our Partners and their teams to help make this day what it was.
Kingston’s Crusade aimed to complete 1,004 laps to represent each of young Kingston’s courage beads he received from the Child Cancer Foundation throughout his battle with leukaemia. As a team, they were able to smash this goal with a total of 1,458 laps, supported by our Crusaders Academy and Crusaders International Academy.
Kingston could be seen racing around throughout the day with his friend Ryder, who wore a Charlottes Army T-shirt. The pair met on the Children’s Ward at Christchurch Hospital.
Simon Munro who set out to run the full 12 hours, was inspired to join after reading Webby’s story who started The Long Run.
“We all know families who have been touched by child cancer, and with young children of my own, I can only imagine how tough that must be” wrote Simon on his Long Run profile.
“If I can push myself through to 12 hours, and raise some money to help support those families, then it is definitely worthwhile!”
And guess what folks, he did it. Running the full 12 hours with a total of 120 laps. Simon and his team from Anderson Lloyd raised a total $6,910. Simon was closely followed by Tracy Carter who did 117 laps.
Other notable mentions seen around the track include David who completed four laps in in his wheelchair, a mother jogging while pushing a pram with a toddler on her shoulders, blind people running with their guides, and nurses coming straight from their shifts in the paediatric oncology ward – still wearing their brightly coloured cartoon adorned scrubs.
What makes The Long Run special is that everyone can get involved – you can walk one lap or run 120 laps and everything in-between. One thing that is apparent – no matter what your goal, everyone gets swept up in the event and does more than they planned or thought possible.
Most Laps by an individual - Simon Munro 120 laps
Most Laps by a Corporate Team - Team GIB 1,403 laps
Best Dressed Corporate Team - Fraser Flynn
Best Dressed Individual – Dean Tuhaka
Players from the Crusaders and Matatū teams got in some laps before their trainings, then walked side by side in the afternoon, having their photos taken with fans and signing many jerseys. The afternoon runners and walkers found themselves serenaded with support from the Crusaders on the microphone, as well as offers of refreshments from them throughout the course. The players then joined Ari Mahoney, aged 9, in his last three laps, as he reached his goal of completing an Ultra Marathon. “Ari absolutely loved it when the boys joined him” said Ari’s mum Tina, “bring on 2026”.
The Crusade With Heart Foundation would like to say an enormous THANK YOU to everyone who participated, donated, shared and supported The Long Run 2025. The event was an incredible success and would not have been possible without our wonderful community uniting.
Missed out on the day? We’re still accepting donations here.
Watch full wrap video below.