Updated May 25, 2026 — 12:18pm,first published May 24, 2026 — 6:02pmA runner’s death has cast a sombre tone over Sunday’s HBF Run for a Reason, which saw thousands of people flock to Perth’s CBD for the annual charity run.The 42-year-old man was participating in the half-marathon event when collapsed on the course along Mounts Bay Road and later died.In a statement, organisers said their thoughts and condolences were with the man’s family, and thanked members of the public and St John Ambulance paramedics, who tried to save the man.About 40,000 made their way to the CBD race to help raise money for charity.Whether they walked, ran, or wheeled their way through the half marathon, 12-kilometre or 3-kilometre courses, their efforts helped raise nearly $1.7 million for more than 350 charities.Not only did people run in the event, so did a robot.HBF Run for a Reason’s 2026 event.HBF Run for a ReasonEngineering students from UWA developed humanoid robot StUWArt who successfully completed the 3km course to raise funds for the Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation.HBF chief executive Dr Lachlan Henderson said since its inception in 2010, HBF Run for a Reason has raised over $15.6 million for health and community organisations across WA.“HBF Run for a Reason is recognised around the country. It’s not just the participants but the volunteers and the friends and family cheering everyone on that make this event a highlight for many people, myself included,” Henderson said.“The commitment and generosity on display really speaks to the strength of our community.HBF Run for a Reason’s 2026 event raised nearly $1.7 million for WA charities.HBF Run for a Reason“Thank you to everyone who trained, donated, and volunteered their time to make today such a success.”Luke Burrows ran the men’s Brooks Half Marathon the fastest, in a total of 1:05:54 with Nera Jareb completing the course the fastest for the women with a time of 1:19:27.The Specsavers 12km fastest runners were Reece Harris with a time of 00:37:53 and Debbie Donald at 00:43:34.CommBank 3km’s speediest participants were Jonah Hankeri who finished in 9 minutes, 45 seconds and Maddie Luscombe with a time of 11 minutes, 9 seconds.This year’s highest individual fundraiser was Duke Storer, who raised $16,682 for Cystic Fibrosis WA.Second highest was Tina Ingraham who brought home $15,254 for MND Association of Western Australia.From our partners