Connor’s Run 2026: How you can help fight childhood brain cancer

They came, they ran, they rolled and they walked – and together they raised money for one of the most devastating forms of childhood cancers.

Connor’s Run was back in Melbourne for its 14th year on Sunday, one of the most important fundraising events on the calendar for pediatric* brain cancer.

Brain cancer is responsible for more child cancer deaths than any other form. With current clinical treatments helping just 50 per cent of children and leaving 90 per cent with lifelong physical and mental impairments*, thousands of Australians are doing their part to raise money for more research.

More than 5000 people showed their support this year by joining Connor’s Run, which celebrates and commemorates the life of Robert Connor Dawes, who died from brain cancer at just 18 years of age.

Last year’s event raised a record $1.765 million, taking its 13-year fundraising total to more than $15 million for pediatric brain cancer research, care and development projects.

This year, $1.6 million has been raised so far – but while the run has finished, the journey hasn’t ended yet, with the final amount to be tallied at the end of September after the ‘Your Way Any Day’ portion of the event, which enables anyone anywhere to choose their own fundraising activity.

All funds raised from the event help the Robert Connor Dawes (RCD) Foundation fund world-class clinical trials* and therapy treatment options for children.

The inclusive run offered three different race lengths as well as the Your Way Any Day option.

The route was inspired by a training run Connor completed during his school rowing season, and included an 18.8 km course from Hampton, representing Connor’s age when he passed away as well as a 9.6 km course from Catani Gardens in St Kilda, marking his birthday on 9 June.

A 3 km ‘Little Bird Loop’, beginning at the Finish Party in Alexandra Gardens, provided a shorter, inclusive option for families and participants of all ages and abilities. The Little Bird name came from the three birds featured in the Foundation’s identity, inspired by Connor’s love of Bob Marley’s song Three Little Birds.

Fourteen year-old brain cancer survivor Georgia said it meant a lot to her that thousands of people came together to take part in Connor’s Run.

“It means a lot to me to feel the support and care of so many people who want to help make a difference,” Georgia said. “It’s an early start for many people and as a legacy ambassador*, I feel proud to see so many adults and kids participating and volunteering to contribute to our mission to help kids with brain cancer.

“The most special part of Connor’s Run for me is that everyone comes together to have fun and honour the brain cancer kids by raising money for important research to find a cure of the number one disease killer of young people in Australia.”

Georgia’s mum Jacinta said the Your Way Any Day option was a great choice for kids who couldn’t make it to the Melbourne run.

“The Your Way Any Day option is a wonderful way for kids who cannot make it to event day to participate and raise money and awareness,” Jacinta said. “They can choose their own activity and complete it on a day that works for them. Some great ideas are a walk around or ride around the local park with friends, a roller-skating challenge, a basketball shootout, or another personal challenge. It’s a great way to involve family members, school mates and others to join the cause together, have fun, stay active, and make a difference.”

She said kids of all ages could help make a difference in the fight against brain cancer.

“I would say that age is not a barrier to making a difference. Connor’s Run attracts participants of all ages and everyone coming together makes it special and a huge support for families facing a very difficult time,” she said. “Whether you raise a dollar, cheer from the sidelines, share someone’s story, or lend a helping hand by volunteering at the drink stations, singing and dancing along the course or handing out flowers at the finish line, you are contributing and making a difference.”

Connor’s Run ambassador and youngest Australian to summit Mt Everest Bianca Adler said Connor’s Run was not only a great way of showing support and raising money, but also of coming together and being active.

“I really liked how positive and community focused Connor’s Run is. It’s supporting such an important cause, but it also gets people outside, moving and doing something fun together, which I love!” Bianca said.

She said she hoped the kids who took part felt proud when they crossed the finish line.

“Even if it felt hard at some point, getting to the finish line shows them that they can push through more than they might think,” she said. “I hope it inspires them to start thinking about what they want to take on next!”

For more information about Connor’s Run, or to donate or support a participant, visit connorsrun.com.

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POLL

GLOSSARY

• pediatric: related to children
• impairments: a reduction in mental, sensory or physical function or bodily structure
• clinical trials: research studies that test medical or surgical treatments on human volunteers to see if they are safe and effective
• legacy ambassador: brain cancer survivor

EXTRA READING
Loving tribute to sporty little Levi
Boy’s brain tumour disappears
Molly’s on the run for good cause

QUICK QUIZ
1. What inspired the route for the Connor’s Run event?
2. How can people who couldn’t make it to the Melbourne run contribute?
3. What are some of the benefits of the fundraiser that Bianca Adler loves?
4. How many years has Connor’s Run been held?
5. How many kids with brain cancer do current treatments help?

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CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES
1. Fundraising challenge
There are so many worthwhile and creative fundraising activities that happen daily around the country, it’s not hard to find a worthy cause to donate to …

If you had the choice and opportunity to fundraise for something, what would it be?

It normally drives you to do your best if you are passionate about the cause. It could be an illness you’d like to help find a cure for like Connor’s Run, or an organisation or charity you’d like to help raise money for.

Think of some fundraising ideas you might like to lead in future, and who your fundraising is for.

Write your ideas below;

Fundraising organisation or cause:

Fundraising idea:

How would it run?

How money is raised?

Target amount?

Is this something you’d like to actually help organise in the future?

Time: allow 20 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Mathematics, Personal and Social, Critical and Creative Thinking

2. Extension
What are the other benefits of participating in and/or co-ordinating a fundraising activity that is close to your heart? Think of physical, social and emotional benefits, not just the money raised.

BENEFITS:
Physical-

Social –

Emotional –

Time: allow 10 minutes to complete this activity
Curriculum Links: English, Health and Physical Education, Personal and Social, Critical and Creative Thinking

VCOP ACTIVITY
Read this!
A headline on an article – or a title on your text – should capture the attention of the audience, telling them to read this now. So choosing the perfect words for a headline or title is very important.

Create three new headlines for the events that took place in this article. Remember, what you write and how you write it will set the pace for the whole text, so make sure it matches.

Read out your headlines to a partner and discuss what the article will be about based on the headline you created. Discuss the tone and mood you set in just your few, short words. Does it do the article justice? Will it capture the audience’s attention the way you hoped? Would you want to read more?

Consider how a headline or title is similar to using short, sharp sentences throughout your text. They can be just as important as complex ones. Go through the last text you wrote and highlight any short, sharp sentences that capture the audience.