Raising vital funds for kids through charity fun run

A RECORD field is expected for this year’s NAB Darrel Chapman Fun Run in Lismore, with entries now open for the annual charity event raising vital funds for local children’s health services.

The run celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024 with more than 1000 competitors and will return on Sunday, August 31.

Distances this year include 4km, 10km and 21km events, with a virtual option available.

Early bird registrants can personalise their bib with a first name or nickname.

The event began as a Southern Cross University initiative and has been run by Our Kids fundraising coordinator Rebekka Battista for more than a decade.

“By registering for the Darrel Chapman Fun Run you are playing a part in improving the health services for children and babies in the Northern Rivers area,” she said.

“The funds raised will go to Our Kids to purchase lifesaving equipment for local hospitals and help keep our kids local when needing medical care.”

The event honours Darrel Chapman’s legacy and commitment to sport in the region.

Chapman, a distinguished academic and sportsman, lost his battle with cancer in 1992.

He attended St John’s College Woodlawn, played rugby league for Australia, captained South Sydney and later became NSW assistant director of sport.

He also founded the Human Movement Science and Sport Management program at Southern Cross University.

His wife Barbara remains a regular at the event and can often be found with the starter’s gun when the race begins on Woodlark Street.

The run has been held every year, including during the 2022 floods and the COVID-19 pandemic, when it moved online.

Engineering firm Terenia Consulting, Lord’s Taverners and Southern Cross University are this year’s naming rights sponsors.

An eight-week training program is also available, designed by SCU senior lecturer Dr Chris Stevens from the faculty of health.

Registrations can be made at darrelchapman.org