The Long Run 2027: the Crusaders chase $500,000 and 100,000 laps for the Child Cancer Foundation

The Crusaders have set the biggest target yet for The Long Run, the club's fundraiser for the Child Cancer Foundation: $500,000 and 100,000 laps on Friday 22 January 2027, which would take the event past $1 million raised since it began five years ago.

How it works, wherever you live

The main event is at Malvern Park in Christchurch, but you do not need to be there. The Aotea Virtual Challenge counts every kilometre you run, walk, cycle or hike anywhere in New Zealand as a lap, so a family in Whangārei or Invercargill can take part from their own street. Registration is open at the-long-run-2027.raiselysite.com.

"The goal is bigger than ever, but so is the opportunity," said the Crusaders' Aaron Webb. Chief executive Colin Mansbridge said The Long Run "has always been about community."

Two more ways the club is giving back this month

Signed, match-worn 2026 away jerseys from the round-six game against Moana Pasifika, the ones carrying the club's 30-years badge, are on Trade Me until Thursday 22 October, with proceeds to Te Tahi Youth, which provides free health and wellbeing services to 10 to 24-year-olds in Christchurch.

And the Crusaders' 2027 squad will be announced not by the club but by 38 members of the community, at One NZ Stadium on Wednesday 28 October. Nominations to be one of the 38 close at 5pm on Monday 19 October.

For a club that has spent three decades winning, this is the other side of the ledger, and it is a good one to show your kids.