QBE is calling for insurance people and their families to join charity fun runs in the next two months, to raise money to refurbish children’s hospitals.

Run Australia events will be held in Ballarat and Wollongong on October 19, Geelong on November 23 and Newcastle on November 30.

There are 6km and 12km runs, plus a 6km family walk. There is also a “virtual runner” program, allowing registrants to nominate a runner on their behalf.

The events are part of the Cotton On Foundation’s Run Australia program.

“We have been involved with Run Australia for more than three years, supporting events from Ballarat to Wollongong, and we are excited to be extending that commitment to Newcastle this year,” QBE Foundation Chairman Tony MacRae said.

“QBE has offices all around Australia, including in Newcastle, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for us to ensure we can actively support the communities in which we operate and continue to assist in improving the health of young people in regional areas.”

Last year 3024 Run Newcastle participants raised $134,413 to refurbish John Hunter Children’s Hospital’s adolescent ward. This year’s funds will go to the same cause.

The ward’s Nursing Unit Manager Paul Widseth says last year’s event funded the design process, while this year’s will help the first stage of construction begin next year.

Register here for the fun runs here.