Instant Shade Marquees was proud to support the Robert Connor Dawes (RCD) Foundation at Connor’s Run 2025 — Australia’s largest event supporting brain cancer research, care, and development. This annual Melbourne tradition brings together thousands of participants, volunteers, and supporters to celebrate community, courage, and hope. Once again, our team worked closely with event organisers to supply a range of custom branded marquees and event shelters, helping to create vibrant, functional, and weather-resilient spaces throughout the event site.
About Connor’s Run
Connor’s Run was established in memory of Robert Connor Dawes, who inspired others with his determination and positivity throughout his treatment for brain cancer. Since its inception, the event has become one of Melbourne’s most beloved community fundraisers, raising millions for the RCD Foundation’s mission to fund research and support families affected by brain cancer. The run features two course options — 18.8 km from Hampton to the city and 9.6 km from Catani Gardens to Alexandra Gardens — bringing together runners and walkers of all ages. The finish area becomes a festival-like atmosphere with music, food, and activities, all under the shade of structures proudly supplied by Instant Marquees Melbourne and Instant Shade Marquees.
Providing Reliable Event Infrastructure
This year, Instant Marquees Melbourne once again managed the onsite supply and installation of a large suite of marquees for the event. The range included both 6 m × 3 m and 3 m × 3 m instant marquees, strategically placed across the site to serve vital functions such as:
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Event Operations Centre
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Volunteer Check-In
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BBQ and catering stations
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Massage and recovery tents
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Back-of-house coordination areas
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Merchandise and information points
Each marquee provided reliable protection from sun and weather, ensuring volunteers, runners, and support crews could operate comfortably throughout the day.
Custom-Branded Marquees by Instant Shade Marquees
Among the many structures featured at the event were several 3 m × 3 m instant marquees with custom-branded roofs manufactured by Instant Shade Marquees. These marquees featured the distinctive Robert Connor Dawes Foundation branding — a light turquoise canopy with white and navy graphics, perfectly aligned with the event’s visual identity.
The Manufacturing Process
At Instant Shade Marquees, every custom-branded structure is carefully designed and produced in-house to meet both functional and branding goals. For Connor’s Run, our team managed the full process — from design layout through to printing, finishing, and quality control — ensuring the marquees not only looked exceptional but performed flawlessly in outdoor conditions.
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Design Collaboration
Working closely with the RCD Foundation team, we finalised the artwork positioning, logo scale, and colour matching. Precise digital templates were used to ensure that all visual elements lined up seamlessly across roof panels and valances.
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Material Selection
We use premium, commercial-grade polyester fabric with UV-resistant and waterproof coatings. This ensures that the branded canopies withstand both intense sunlight and unexpected rain — perfect for Melbourne’s variable weather.
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Printing & Finishing
The canopies were printed using high-resolution dye-sublimation printing, delivering sharp, vibrant colours that won’t peel or fade. Each panel was then cut, sewn, and heat-sealed for durability and water resistance.
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Frame Compatibility & Quality Testing
Before delivery, each canopy was test-fitted to our aluminium instant marquee frames to confirm tension, alignment, and finish. Our marquees are built from strong, rust-resistant hexagonal aluminium legs and reinforced truss bars, providing stability and reliability during extended use.
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Delivery & Installation
Once manufactured, the custom marquees were supplied to Instant Marquees Melbourne, whose experienced crew handled the onsite installation. The branded marquees formed part of key operational hubs.
Event Applications: How Each Marquee Was Used
Each marquee served an important purpose throughout the day. Here’s how our structures helped bring the event to life.
Event Operations Centre
At the heart of the event site was the Event Operations Centre, where organisers and coordinators managed logistics. This 3 m × 3 m branded marquee, manufactured by Instant Shade Marquees, featured the full RCD Foundation branding and acted as the nerve centre of the event. Its eye-catching canopy ensured staff and volunteers could easily locate the operations team.
Volunteer Check-In
Adjacent to the main coordination area, another branded 3 m × 3 m marquee served as the Volunteer Check-In station. Hundreds of volunteers registered, collected their T-shirts and passes, and received instructions here before spreading out to their assigned stations. The branded structure provided shade and visibility for one of the busiest points of the day.
Massage and Recovery Tent
The Massage Tent, a 6 m × 3 m instant marquee, provided a space for post-run physiotherapy and recovery. Staffed by Pursue Health and Physiosports Brighton, this tent offered runners a cool, shaded zone to rest and stretch after completing their course. Clear walls allowed light while keeping wind out — a practical setup for health professionals.
BBQ and Catering Area
Multiple 6 m × 3 m instant marquees were installed to house the BBQ and catering teams. Volunteers cooked and served food throughout the day, supported by reliable cover that allowed airflow while protecting against sun exposure. The open design also made it easy for participants to queue and be served efficiently.
Back-of-House and Logistics
Behind the scenes, several 6 m × 3 m marquees provided workspace for storage, preparation, and volunteer coordination. These structures were essential for maintaining a smooth flow of supplies, meals, and materials across the site.
Side of House & Support Areas
Additional marquees were placed around the event perimeter for administration, security, and first aid support. Their modular setup made them easy to position and connect where needed.
Manufacturing Excellence: Built for Reuse and Longevity
The branded marquees manufactured by Instant Shade are not designed for single use — they are built to last. By using high-quality frames and advanced printing technology, the RCD Foundation can continue to use these branded marquees for future editions of Connor’s Run, as well as at other fundraising and promotional events throughout the year.
Each Instant Shade marquee canopy is:
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UV-resistant, retaining its colour even after long exposure to sunlight.
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Waterproof, keeping equipment and volunteers dry.
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Easy to clean, with digitally printed designs that resist cracking and peeling.
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Interchangeable, allowing future rebranding or canopy replacement without replacing the entire frame.
This focus on longevity not only supports sustainability but also maximises value for not-for-profit partners like the RCD Foundation.
Why Branded Marquees Matter at Community Events
For charities and organisations like the RCD Foundation, branded marquees serve a dual purpose: practical shelter and strong brand visibility. At large events like Connor’s Run, with thousands of participants spread across multiple activation zones, clear branding helps identify key areas such as:
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Volunteer hubs
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Information points
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Fundraising stalls
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Sponsor or partner activations
Beyond practicality, branded marquees also help reinforce the organisation’s message and mission. Each canopy, banner, and flag contributes to a unified look that strengthens recognition and community pride.
Shared Values: Community, Purpose, and Design Excellence
At Instant Shade Marquees, we believe that great design should support great causes. Our team takes pride in providing products that not only look outstanding but also serve meaningful events that make a difference. Connor’s Run exemplifies the kind of event we’re passionate about supporting — inclusive, community-driven, and full of heart. Every volunteer, participant, and supporter plays a part in advancing brain cancer research, and we’re honoured to help create the physical spaces where those efforts come together.
Looking Ahead
As long-term partners of the Robert Connor Dawes Foundation, we look forward to continuing our support for future Connor’s Run events. Our goal remains the same: to deliver reliable, beautifully branded shade solutions that enhance both the function and feel of large community fundraisers.
To learn more about Connor’s Run and the RCD Foundation’s work, visit www.connorsrun.com or www.rcdfoundation.org
