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The Long Run 2026 Wrapped
04 Feb 2026
The 2026 Crusade with Heart Long Run was one of those days that reminds you what our community is capable of when we come together with purpose.
In just half a day, more than $270,000 was raised for the Child Cancer Foundation, and with donations still rolling in, there’s every chance we’ll reach our goal of $300,000.
Across the morning, our Crusaders whānau completed 37,925 laps and you could see the effort, pride and emotion on every part of the track.
It wasn’t just people running or walking; it was families supporting families, teammates lifting each other, and strangers making new connections.
The day felt like it had grown again, not just in numbers but in meaning.
Crusaders prop Tamaiti Williams captured that feeling perfectly.
“This is a special day, not just for the team but as a franchise, it seems like it gets bigger and better every year. Showing the younger boys the meaning of community, it’s also getting out into the community, showing people we care. It’s so good to take a step back and appreciate days like this.”
Some stories from the day truly stood out.
One came from Jason and his daughter Alicia who lives with cerebral palsy. Their mantra, ‘he is my legs, she is my inspiration’, felt especially powerful as they took on the Long Run together.
Jason says there are days he doesn’t feel like running, but then he thinks about Alicia and how she pushes through every challenge without a choice. Watching them move around the track together was a reminder of why this event matters. They weren’t just running for themselves; they were running for kids and families who need to know they’re not facing their battles alone.
Another moment that captured the heart of the day came from firefighter George Wilkins. George walked 42 kilometres in full firefighting gear – all 25 kilos of it – to honour his cousin Charlotte, who passed away from leukaemia last year.
Every step was heavy, but his motivation never wavered. He talked openly about wanting to reflect even a fraction of the challenges Charlotte faced, and how proud he hoped she would be.
There were quiet moments where people watched him pass by and felt the weight of what he was carrying, and louder moments where he was lifted by the cheers of supporters around the park.
Charlotte’s Army was another standout, completing more than 1,400 laps and raising an incredible $35,255 to honour Charlotte’s memory.
The collective effort was huge: Delvan Cummings reached 83 laps to lead the men, Stella Griffiths completed 69 to top the women’s tally, and Mark McQuillan raised $6,327 as the highest individual fundraiser.
None of this would have been possible without the support of our Long Run partners: Aotea Electric Canterbury, Christchurch Casino, Event Hire, ETS, GIB, Isaac Group, John Jones Steel and Plato. Thanks to them, this event continues to be accessible for everyone while raising crucial funds for the Child Cancer Foundation and the families who rely on its support.
The wrap‑up video and full photo gallery are now live, capturing the emotion, energy and unforgettable moments from across the day.
View the full photo gallery here.
And if you’d still like to donate, there’s time – every contribution helps us get closer to that $300,000 goal and makes a meaningful difference for Kiwi families facing the unimaginable.
The 2026 Long Run reminded us why this event sits at the heart of who we are. It’s about looking after each other, lifting those who need it most, and celebrating the spirit of our community.
We can’t wait to see everyone back again next year, bringing the same heart and purpose that made this year’s event so special.