Hundreds of kids and parents glow up for charity in Eden Park
• May 11, 2026
Over 2,500 people attended the KidsCan GlowRun last Saturday. Photo: Erica O’Neill
Hundreds of families turned up to run 2.5km in the first ever KidsCan GlowRun organised in Auckland’s Eden Park last Saturday.
The event attracted more than 2500 people and raised $8,749.88 for children living in material hardship.
KidsCan’s head of fundraising, partnerships and individual giving Shelley Dunmore says the fundraising is vital right now.
"There are more kids living in poverty than ever before," she says.
Approximately 169,000 Kiwi kids, one in seven, live in material hardship.
Dunmore says New Zealand needs to ensure every child goes to school, warm, dry, fed, and in a position to learn.
“That's what KidsCan is all about because KidsCan believes that education equals opportunity,” she says.
As winter comes, the demand for essentials is high. Every dollar raised at the event goes towards providing jackets and shoes to Kiwi kids in need.
“They will be going out shortly to schools, some of our partner schools have already started to put their orders in,” says Dunmore.
She says the mission of the GlowRun was not only to connect with the community, but for participants to gain more awareness of the cause.
The GlowRun saw friends and families in bright colours, lighting up the course. Photo: Erica O’Neill
“It is much more than just a fun run. We’ve tried to create a fun family festival atmosphere.
“We’re fortunate to be able to host the first event here . . . you go through parts of Eden Park that you haven't seen before and I think that's what also makes it special,” she says.
The first GlowRun event featured live DJs, face painting, hair braiding, circus and craft zones, food trucks and free spinal checks.
The Coffee Club is one of KidsCan’s many sponsors, providing glow-in-the-dark paint for attendees to paint on its glow wall. Photo: Erica O’Neill
Participant Bayleigh says: “It's a fun thing to do with your family and then it's also good fundraising too.”
“I've seen some really cool costumes, so I'm looking forward to seeing what people come out with,” says Matt. who also took part.
“I think it's a good cause to get behind . . . a nice way to spend an afternoon.”
KidsCan is looking to make the GlowRun an annual event and take it to new locations.
“We’ll be looking at how can we scale up Glow Run if it's a success, which it looks like it is,” she says.
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