This Sunday, 28 August, the Darrel Chapman Fun Run (DCFR) sponsored by NAB will kick off in Woodlark Street, Lismore.

It will be the first time since 2019 that the CBD will hear the sound of over 500 people pounding the streets of Lismore as 2020 and 2021 were virtual fun runs (2021 had to be changed 3 weeks out from the event) thanks to COVID-19.

In a show of community spirit, 540 people have already registered to take part in the DCFR. It will be run on a day that marks the 6-month anniversary of the devasting February flood. All participants are encouraged to wear red to show their support for Lismore, the heart of the Northern Rivers.

If you haven't registered, don't despair, you can rock up on Sunday morning, register in front of the newly reopened NAB then participate in the Lord's Taverners 10km run, the family Our Kids 4k walk and run, where you can bring your pet, or the Lismore Masters Half Marathon if you are super keen. This year registrations are free thanks to the generosity of NAB, National Dental Care and the Our Kids Platinum Partners.

The day will start at 7.00am with the Lord's Taverners 10km run and the Lismore Masters Half Marathon. The family event, the Our Kids 4k walk and run, will start at 9.00am.

Remember, Woodlark Street will be closed from 6am until 12 midday.

Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions:

1. Toilets are available; there are portable toilets in browns creek car park behind the toilet block, and there are also toilets on the corner of Keen and Woodlark Street
2. Water stations on course at the turf club, savings road, and at the 10km turnaround and at the 21km turnaround
3. If you're bringing your four-legged friend to accompany you, you will need the pup to be on a small leash at all times and start at the back of the pack at the starting line.
4. Parking is available in Browns Creek car park or Keen street; please note Woodlark will be closed from 6 am.
5. You can bring a marquee if you want that can be placed on the footpath on either side of the road. Please follow volunteer instructions.
6. Many people are registered; please don't hesitate to wear a mask at the starting line.

La Baracca's BrewsandBowls Lismore coffee van will be operational from 6 am onward, with Lismore Lions Club providing BBQ with sausages or steak sandwiches for breakfast. Don't forget to bring some cash for breakfast. The Casino Food Coop meat works are donating the meat for the day.

The Darrel Chapman Fun Run benefits Our Kids, the local charity that raises money to purchase lifesaving paediatric equipment for local hospitals, to keep kids local when needing medical care.

Our Kids Fundraising Coordinator Rebekka Battista set a goal of $10,000 for this year. The result so far has far exceeded that goal with nearly $18,000 raised at the time of writing.

You can make a donation here.

This year also marks 30 years since the passing of Darrel Chapman, husband, father, and distinguished academic and sporting legend who lost his battle with cancer in October 1992. Having been both a keen sports person and a respected sports administrator, Darrel was a much loved and highly regarded member of the Australian sporting community.

Schooled at St. John's College, Woodlawn near Lismore, Darrel played Rugby League for Australia and captained South Sydney before becoming NSW Assistant Director of Sport.

He also established the Human Movement Science and Sport Management program at Southern Cross University. His legacy lives on through this event.

For more details about the day, head to https://www.darrelchapman.org/

If you have any questions regarding the event, call the Our Kids Office on 6620 2705.

Whether you run, walk or go just go to catch up with the community, see you on Sunday!