The Long Run 2026 | Everything you need to know!

Last year, our community helped raise more than $233,000 for the Child Cancer Foundation, turning the Long Run into one of the most powerful fundraising moments in Aotearoa. In 2026, we are aiming even higher. Together, we hope to reach 60,000 laps and raise $300,000 to support children and families facing the toughest challenges.

 

 

The Weather

 

With wet weather forecast in the lead-up to and on event day this Friday, we're here to help you prepare and reassure you that participant safety is our top priority. 

 

If hundreds of Kiwi kids can find the courage to fight cancer every day, we can handle a little rain together. The Long Run is about resilience and community, and that spirit doesn’t stop for showers. 

 

At this stage, the event will go ahead. Our team is monitoring conditions closely and will continue to assess the track before and during the event. If anything changes, we’ll act quickly to keep everyone safe. 

 

There’s no postponement date, but in the unlikely event of cancellation, you’ll hear from us by 4pm Thursday, 22 January. 

 

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

 

 

Registration and Bib Collection

 

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 20 January to Thursday 22 January from 8.30am to 4.00pm at Rugby Park Reception (cnr Malvern & Rutland street)
• Thursday 22 January between 4.00pm to 7.00pm at Malvern Park
• From 5.00am on Friday 23 January at Malvern Park

 

For those participating in teams. All team bibs & batons should be collected by one team leader. 

 

Onsite registration is also available at the above times for anyone who hasn't registered online. 

 

Any registrations on The Long Run raisely site after 4pm on Thursday will not be automatically allocated a bib. Registering on raisely is still encouraged to fundraise, however after 4pm on Thursday anyone wishing to participate will need to head to the registration marquee at Malvern Park to be issued a Bib 

 

 

Team Marquees

 

Teams bringing marquees can set up at Malvern Park on Thursday 22 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 23 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
• 5.52pm Dean’s 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 23 to 25 January, participants around the world can complete their own kilometres in a 48 hour window. Every kilometre logged contributes toward our 60,000 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dean’s Last Lap

 

At 5.52pm, we will close the event with a special lap honouring Crusaders Member Dean Tuhaka. Dean was a passionate supporter who embodied Crusading with Heart. His member number was 552, so the final lap of the day will be walked and run in his honour. Everyone is invited to join.