Kia ora team,

Run72 is not just about the kilometres. This year, we are aiming to move 100,000 km together for mental health, but every lap, every team, every early shift and every donation begins with a person. A mate, a brother, a dad, a son, a flatmate, a teammate, or simply someone who matters to you.

That is why we are asking one simple question this year:

Who are you running for?

For some people, the answer will come easily. For others, it might be something they have not said out loud before. You might be running for the mate who always checks in, for someone who has had a rough year, or for yourself. Whatever your reason is, it counts.You do not need a polished story or the perfect words to take part.

A lap around campus is just a lap until there is someone behind it. Then it becomes a way to back someone, thank someone, remember an important connection, or remind yourself that support is there. That is what makes Run72 more than a relay. It gives people a simple way to show up for one another.

It is not always easy to know how to start an honest conversation about mental health. Run72 does not claim to have every answer, but it creates a shared moment where those conversations can begin naturally. You can run beside someone, walk a lap, donate to their team, or simply ask them who they are running for. Sometimes that is enough to open the door.

The goal is big, but nobody has to carry it alone. One person joins in, then a few mates become a team. Teams become a crowd, and together that crowd moves 100,000 km for mental health. It is built from small, honest reasons and people choosing to turn up for each other.

Be part of Run72

From 4pm Tuesday 22 September to 4pm Friday 25 September, the University of Canterbury community will keep the Run72 loop moving.

Run, walk, join a team, volunteer, donate, or come down and support. However you take part, you are part of it.

If you have a reason you want to share, start with one simple line:

I’m running for...

Send it to your team, put it on your fundraising page, post it if that feels right, or keep it private and let it be your own reason for being there.

Run72 is built by people turning up for each other.

So, who are you running for?

Register, donate, or join or start a team

Ngā mihi,

The Lads Without Labels whānau

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