Canberra loves a lap of the lake, but Nightshift is taking things a little further. A lot further, actually. 

On Friday 23 October, the team behind Nightshift, a Canberra community run club by Eighty8, is launching a new 12-hour community relay around Lake Burley Griffin to raise funds for Barnardos Australia. And you don’t need to be an ultra-runner to get involved. 

The goal is to raise $50,000 to support young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

 

The 12-Hour Challenge 

Starting at 8am, runners will take on a 6.4km loop from Walt & Burley on the Kingston Foreshore every hour, on the hour. You can do one lap, drop in for a few throughout the day, or commit to all 12.  

And for anyone considering the full challenge, that works out to roughly 77 kilometres, so no judgement if one lap sounds plenty. 

There are three ways to take part: Team Charge for anyone walking, jogging or running at their own pace, Team Race for those looking to push a little harder, and Team Endurance for experienced runners taking on all 12 loops.

 

Made for More Than Runners 

Nightshift has always been built around making movement feel social and accessible. Eighty8 Gyms Director Tyler Stevens is keen to point out that this is about community, not setting records.   

You can walk, jog or run, take on one loop or several, and get involved at whatever pace works for you. Bring your colleagues, dog, friends or family and turn a lap of the lake into something that also supports a good local cause. 

Barnardos Canberra provides support for vulnerable children, young people and families across the ACT, including youth homelessness services, family support and mentoring.

 

The Grand Finale 

The whole day builds towards a final community lap at 7pm, when all three teams and the wider community are invited to line up together for the last loop. 

And with the start and finish line outside Walt & Burley, there will be great food and cold drinks waiting afterwards, giving everyone a chance to wind down and celebrate a big day for a very good cause. 

 

EVENT INFORMATION:  

Location: Walt & Burley, Kingston Foreshore  

Dates/Times: Friday 23 October 2026, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Final community lap at 7:00 PM)  

Ticketing/Booking: Register online individually or as a team, with all proceeds supporting Barnardos Australia. 

Find out more HERE