The country’s largest student-run university event, Run72, is making its Dunedin debut on Friday October 9th. As the name suggests, it involves running. But this time it's about more than flexing on Strava, with the event raising awareness and funds for men’s mental health. Significantly, all money raised in Otago will stay locally to support Otago tauira.
Run72 began at the University of Canterbury in 2021, hosted by Lads Without Labels – a student-led organisation working to improve mental health, and break down the stigma around men talking about it. Described as an awareness event first and a fundraiser second, the annual event keeps at least one person chucking laps around the course for 72 hours straight. The duration originally reflected the proportion of suicides in New Zealand involving men at the time: 72%. That percentage has since risen, but the name has stuck, and the focus has shifted towards the people behind the statistic. The running is just the hook for encouraging blokes to reach out, showing that vulnerability can be a form of strength, and celebrating life rather than counting losses.
Run72 has grown each year since its inception, with more than 5,000 participants and various sponsors helping raise approximately $92,000 last year. Lads Without Labels president Ethan Byloo said Otago was always top of the list for expansion, given its proximity to Christchurch. “The region has a passionate student culture around mental health as seen with Heavy Breathers.” The Heavy Breathers have been championing a similar kaupapa down South, running marathons to raise money for mental health support too
The Dunedin event will be held in collaboration with OUSA and the Heavy Breathers, whose partnership with Lads Without Labels grew out of last year’s Emerson’s Dunedin Marathon. Our local kings raised $41,777 for the organisation – the largest single donation it had ever received. Apparently, cardio does have its uses. This year’s Otago debut will be a smaller pilot event, which Ethan said would “gather info about how the event could look over the scale of 3 days”.
Run72 Otago will take over campus from 6am to 6pm on Friday, October 9. You can sign up solo, as a team, or with an organisation and clock up as many or as few laps as you fancy. Despite the name, running is optional. You can walk, bike, skate or roll around the 1.2km loop, which starts and finishes at Union Hall. It’s about participation, not pace, so there’s no need to be smashing out a PB. “Like Run72 in Christchurch, there will be a 'home village' by the start/finish line where people can come and engage with others,” Ethan said. With music, kai and a spot to hang out, everyone is welcome, whether you’re doing laps or cheering on your mates. Ethan hopes that sense of community will stick with participants beyond the event. “Even if you're only doing a lap, I would hope they take away that they aren't alone during their time through uni and even after uni. People do want to support you.”
While participation is the priority, any money raised by Run72 Otago will stay in the region to support Otago students. Exactly where those funds will go is still being worked out. Ethan explained that, “at this stage we have some ideas of where we want it put towards, but we will make an announcement in the time coming to officially let students know.” That means students turning up or donating will be supporting their own community, with the details of how that support will look still to come.
So if you’re around in Dunedin on Friday – round up your flatmates and get your blood pumping for Run72 Otago. Whether you’re a runner, a strutter, or a decorated couch potato, showing up matters a whole lot more than how many laps you manage. “Although you have the option to donate, this is by no means targeted as a fundraising event. We really want participation more than anything,” Ethan said.
“If people can get together for a good cause, and slowly start being comfortable having conversations about how they're doing up top, then we are succeeding.” You can sign up via the link in the Lads Without Labels Otago Instagram bio (@lads_otago).
