St. John’s, NL – July 2026 — A team of dedicated sailors from His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) St. John’s once again laced up their running shoes for the 31st annual Run the Rock, the iconic relay-style fundraiser that crosses Newfoundland and Labrador in support of Make-A-Wish Canada.
The event, running from July 2 to July 16, 2026, saw a 16-member crew from the Halifax-class frigate tackle a demanding relay covering more than 900 kilometres from Port aux Basques on the province’s west coast to the capital city of St. John’s on the east.
A Deep Connection to “The Rock”
HMCS St. John’s (FFH 340) is named after the historic port city in Newfoundland and Labrador, giving the ship and its crew a natural and enduring bond with the province. The ship’s personnel have played a central role in Run the Rock for decades — the event’s roots trace back to 1996, when crew members helped originate and champion the initiative.
Over the past three decades, teams from HMCS St. John’s have raised nearly $2 million for Make-A-Wish Newfoundland and Labrador, helping grant hundreds of life-changing wishes for children facing critical illnesses.
How the 2026 Relay Unfolded
The 2026 edition carried a bold fundraising goal of $200,000 — enough to help grant roughly 20 wishes for children in the province currently waiting.
The sailors operated in classic relay fashion: teams alternated running legs while others managed support, logistics, and community outreach. Stops along the route, including a high-profile visit to Corner Brook, featured fundraising events where locals turned out in force with donations, encouragement, and hospitality.
Sub-Lieutenant Mitchell Sheppard, part of the 2026 team, expressed amazement at the generosity he witnessed: “I’m blown away by the generosity of people in NL… I think we can achieve [the goal].”
Recent Years Show Strong Momentum
The 2026 effort built on impressive recent results:
- 2025 (30th anniversary): A team of 14 sailors raised $183,685 — one of the highest totals in the event’s history.
- 2024: 16 sailors surpassed their target, raising more than $123,000 in a single year.
These figures contribute to the ship’s cumulative impact of nearly $2 million since the partnership began.
Run the Rock is far more than a physical challenge. It combines endurance, teamwork, and community engagement in true naval fashion. Sailors often organize barbecues, silent auctions, and donation drives in the weeks leading up to the relay, turning their off-duty time into meaningful impact.
The event aligns perfectly with the Royal Canadian Navy’s broader culture of community involvement, especially in Newfoundland and Labrador, a province with deep naval and maritime heritage.
