The Long Run 2026 - virtual challenge

Cause

The Long Run is a nationwide virtual fitness and fundraising challenge supporting Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. Its mission is to help create a future where no man dies from prostate cancer by raising funds and awareness for research, nursing services, education and community support. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, and its effects extend beyond the person diagnosed to partners, families, friends and communities. Taking part is a practical way to stand with Australian men affected by the disease while building more movement into everyday life.

Every kilometre represents a public show of support for men and families navigating diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Funds raised through the challenge support the organiser's work across research, awareness and support. Participants can also use their fundraising pages to explain why the cause matters to them, invite others to learn more and encourage conversations about prostate cancer. The event welcomes people participating in honour or memory of someone, as well as anyone who simply wants to get active for an important national cause.

What to Expect

The challenge runs throughout September 2026 and can be completed anywhere in Australia. The main goal is to cover 72 kilometres during the month by running, walking or riding. Participants decide when, where and how they complete the distance, making the event suitable for different fitness levels, routines and locations. The distance may be completed in short daily sessions, longer weekend outings or any combination that adds up across the month. The organiser also offers a one-kilometre-a-day option, allowing participants to choose a target that suits their ability and circumstances.

You can take part individually or rally a team of friends, relatives, workmates or club members. After registering, each participant receives an online fundraising page and can set a distance goal and fundraising target. Progress can be logged manually, or participants may connect a supported fitness tracking service through their fundraising dashboard. Running, walking and riding can all contribute, so people can vary their activities during the month while continuing towards their chosen goal.

The Long Run is designed to combine personal movement with community impact. There is no requirement to gather at a particular venue or complete the distance in one session. Participants can choose familiar neighbourhood routes, local paths, parks, trails or indoor options that suit them. Everyone should select activities and distances appropriate to their health, experience and conditions, build up gradually where needed, stay hydrated and follow local safety advice.

How to Participate

1. Use the registration link on this event page to join the 2026 challenge.
2. Choose your distance goal, set a fundraising target and create your personal fundraising page.
3. Decide whether to participate individually, create a team or join an existing team.
4. Invite friends, family and colleagues to support your effort through donations and encouragement.
5. From 1 September, run, walk or ride at times and locations that suit you.
6. Track your kilometres through the fundraising dashboard, either manually or using a supported fitness app.
7. Continue logging activity through 30 September and celebrate the distance and awareness you have created.

Participants under 18 need consent from a parent or guardian. You can begin fundraising as soon as registration is complete, even though challenge kilometres are completed during September. If using a connected fitness service, allow time for activities to sync and check your dashboard regularly. Manual logging remains available for participants who prefer not to connect an app.

Cost

Registration and participation are free. There is no entry fee to create a fundraising page or take on the distance challenge. Participants are encouraged to raise funds for Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia, but fundraising contributions are separate from the cost of entry. You can choose a personal target and invite people in your community to support it. Any incidental expenses associated with your chosen activity, such as equipment, transport or access to a facility, remain your responsibility.

Milestone Rewards

Participants who sign up and raise at least $50 by 1 September are eligible for a free Long Run T-shirt under the organiser's advertised reward offer. This fundraising milestone gives participants something recognisable to wear during their September kilometres while helping raise awareness of the cause. Availability and fulfilment are managed by the organiser and may be subject to its campaign conditions.

The central achievement is completing your chosen distance and contributing to a shared nationwide effort. Whether you reach 72 kilometres, take on the one-kilometre-a-day option or support a team, every logged kilometre and fundraising contribution helps strengthen awareness and support for Australian men and families affected by prostate cancer.