This week the Our Kids Charity would usually be getting ready to shut the streets of Lismore to host hundreds of runners and walkers for the iconic NAB Darrel Chapman Fun Run.

Instead, this year the Fun Run is going virtual, and Our Kids has encouraged runners, walkers and cyclists to still take part and be part of the event, in their own time.

The week began on the 24th and will end on August 30. This gives you four days to register and participate in this years event if you haven't already.

Like in previous years, participants will be able to register online, choose their distance, and then in their own time this week head out, all in the name of Our Kids.

(Runners Kylie Avery, Julie McFadden and Belinda Smith in the 2019 Darrel Chapman Fun Run. Photo: supplied)

Going virtual has opened up the opportunity for participants to walk, run, and even cycle their chosen distance. Participants are able to choose from the Our Kids 4km, Lords Taverners 10km, Lismore Masters 21km and now there is an opportunity to do the Southern Cross University Marathon.

“We are excited that we can still hold the Darrel Chapmen Fun Run, and going virtual gives us the opportunity to host the region’s first ever marathon,” Rebekka Battista, Our Kids Fundraising Coordinator said.

“In previous years due to the cost of closing a road for the length of time required for a marathon, this was not an option”.

“We have teams all over heading out this week walking on the beach, running throughout our towns, we have cyclists riding the distances and we even have some doing the distance on a horse,” Rebekka said.

The aim of the varied courses is to include, encourage and champion everyone to walk, cycle, or run and just have fun.

This year there is no cost to participate, but instead an opportunity for people to donate, fundraise or be sponsored to do a particular distance.

“Already the event has raised an incredible $23,000 to help purchase a humidicrib worth $30,000 for the Special Care Nursery, which sees one in three babies born in the Northern Rivers,” Rebekka said.

If you would like to help Our Kids reach their goal, head to www.darrelchpaman.com to donate. 

The NAB Corporate Challenge and the NAB Community Challenge has a leaderboard that will champion the fundraisers. There are also incentives to fundraise which include a Limited Edition Darrel Chapman Fun Run shirt.

“The NAB Darrel Chapmen is a much loved run in the Northern Rivers, it is an event that brings the community together for Our Kids and although it may look different than normal it still is a way for our community to help our kids stay local when needing medical care.”

Darrel Chapman, husband, father, distinguished academic and sporting legend, lost his own personal battle with cancer in October 1992. Having been both a keen sports person and 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.

To register: www.darrelchapman.com