Kia ora team,

RUN72 is back for 2026.

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If you have heard the name but are not fully sure what it is, this one is for you. Here is the simple version: RUN72 is a 72-hour community running event powered by Lads Without Labels to raise funds and awareness for men's mental health. From 4pm Tuesday 22 September to 4pm Friday 25 September, someone will be moving around the University of Canterbury campus loop at all times. You can run, walk, support, donate, volunteer, or just come down and be part of it. This year, the goal is 100,000 km moved together for mental health.

So, what actually is RUN72?

RUN72 is Lads Without Labels' annual 72-hour fundraising challenge. The idea is simple: for 72 hours straight, the community keeps the loop alive. Students, mates, clubs, teams, families, staff, supporters, and the wider Christchurch community all take turns adding laps. Some people do one lap. Some do a shift. Some walk. Some fundraise. Some come down to cheer. It all counts.

When is it?

RUN72 starts at 4pm on Tuesday 22 September and finishes at 4pm on Friday 25 September. That is three full days of movement, music, kai, support, and people showing up for mental health.

There is also a new Dunedin version joining the movement on Friday 25 September from 4am to 4pm. More local details are coming soon.

Where is it?

The main RUN72 event is on the University of Canterbury campus. The loop starts and finishes at C-Block lawn. One lap is 1.8 km, and you can do as many or as few laps as you like.

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Do I have to be a runner?

Nope.

You can run, jog, walk, volunteer, donate, support a team, or come down to be part of the atmosphere. RUN72 is for serious runners, first-timers, social sports teams, flatmates, clubs, workplaces, families, and anyone who wants to support the cause. It's about participation, not pace.

Why 72 hours?

The 72-hour format was chosen to point at the reality of men's mental health and the need to take it seriously. But RUN72 is not just about the hard stuff. It is also about hope, community, movement, and backing your mates before things hit crisis point. For three days, the loop becomes a visible reminder that nobody should have to carry the hard stuff alone.

Where does the money go?

Funds raised through RUN72 support Lads Without Labels' professional support initiative. That helps provide free counselling sessions to UC students, access to resources for professional development and personal growth, and the 2026 operations that keep Lads Without Labels' work moving.

How do I get involved?

You can register as an individual, join a team, start a team, donate, volunteer, or come down during the event to support the people keeping the loop alive.

Register, donate, or join/start a team here:

https://run72.raiselysite.com/

Bring your mates. Bring your flat. Bring your club. Bring your running shoes, walking shoes, loud encouragement, or whatever energy you have got. RUN72 is built by the people who turn up.

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So, who are you running for?

Ngā mihi,

The Lads Without Labels whānau

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