The Long Run is back! And now’s your chance to be part of something pretty special. 

On Friday 23 January 2026, we’ll lace up at Malvern Park to run for a cause close to our hearts and today, we’re excited to announce registrations are officially open. 

This is your moment to step up, show up, and run or walk for a cause that truly matters. Every lap raises much needed funds for the Child Cancer Foundation – supporting kiwi kids and their families through the toughest times of their lives. 

When a child is diagnosed with cancer, their world changes overnight. The Child Cancer Foundation walks alongside families, offering emotional, practical and financial support – and your fundraising helps make that possible. It’s not just about giving; it’s about giving hope. 

“This is the fifth edition of the Long Run, and we never could have imagined what it’s turned into now,” says Crusaders Team Manager Aaron “Webby” Webb. 

“It started off as a marathon during lockdown which raised $5,000 for the Child Cancer Foundation, now it’s an event that attracts thousands of people, and raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity. 

“The Child Cancer Foundation is a major charity of our club and I am in awe of the work they do. When families are going through the unimaginable, they are right there on the journey with them. It’s really humbling to be able to do this event for them and show all the families who are affected by child cancer we are there for them," says Webby. 

Whether you’ve joined us before or this will be your first Long Run, we want you there. 

Like always, The Long Run is a FREE community event for all to get involved in. 

How to Register 

We’ve made it easy. Head to our Raisely page below to sign up as an individual, a team, or part of the Corporate Challenge. You’ll get your own fundraising page, and you’ll be able to track your impact as we work toward our goal. 

REGISTER HERE 

Corporate & Teams Challenge  

Gather your colleagues, suppliers, customers or teammates and join the Corporate Challenge. It’s a fantastic and unique opportunity to spend time with your work mates outside of the office while supporting a very worthy cause.  

Everyone who registers a group for the Corporate Challenge will receive a baton with your company or club logo on it. The idea is that you keep the baton going all day from 6am-6pm. However, if you can’t be there all day, don’t let that be a barrier, there are no hard and fast rules, it’s a fun day out first and foremost. 

The corporate challenge is not exclusive to corporates. Any group can participate – whether you have a sports team, club, school or just a group of mates, anyone is welcome. 

Marquee Spots 

Planning to bring a team? Want to set up a base for the day? Marquee spots are now open – but be quick. We’ve got 100 available, and it’s first in, first served. These spots go fast, so lock yours in early and make Malvern Park your home for the day.

Please indicate if you wish to bring a marquee when you register. 

Aotea Virtual Challenge 

Our mates at Aotea love The Long Run so much, they told us we needed to make it available to everyone, even if they aren’t lucky enough to be a part of the special atmosphere at Rugby & Malvern Parks on the day.  

So, wherever you are in the world on Friday 23 January, you can get involved. Set yourself a goal, set up your fundraising profile and then on the day you will be able to log your 1km laps online and contribute these towards our total laps completed as well as fundraising goals for the Child Cancer Foundation!   

Be sure to tag us on your social channels so we can share those of your Crusading with Heart throughout New Zealand and around the world. 

Thank you as always for your ongoing support for such a worthy cause – we couldn’t do it without you. 

This isn’t just a date on the calendar. It’s a moment that brings us together – fans, players, staff, and community – to run, walk, cheer, and give back. It’s about showing up for something bigger than rugby. It’s about making a real difference. 

So, grab your mates, set your goal and get ready to run for a reason, because every lap counts towards a cause bigger than all of us.