We’ve never needed much of an excuse to frock up – especially during Mardi Gras. So why not do it for a good cause at The Little Black Dress Run?

The little black dress usually calls to mind Coco Chanel, who established it as the benchmark of effortless chic. Or maybe Audrey Hepburn, who paired it with a simple string of pearls; or Jackie O with her oversized black sunglasses. Not a hoard of burly, hairy blokes running through Centennial Park – and certainly not worn with white sneakers. Quelle horreur!

But in these crazy modern times, Chanel’s signature piece has been well and truly bogarted by The Little Black Dress Run, one of the most popular and anarchic annual charity events in the Mardi Gras festival.

“It’s essentially a four-kilometre charity fun run where every man, woman, child and dog can frock up in a little black dress and saunter around Centennial Park while raising some coin for Camp Goodtime – a charity based at the Sydney Children’s Hospital that raises funds for children living with HIV,” hostess Joyce Maynge tells SX.

“When I started four years ago, there were about 40 people who did the run and since then it has grown faster than my bust size. Last year there were over 200 entrants and the event raised $21,000 – so we’re expecting even bigger things in 2010.”

The Little Black Dress Run is organised by GLBT running group the Sydney Frontrunners, but the concept can be traced back to the San Diego Frontrunners who coordinated a little red dress run in the early 1990s. The event caught the attention of the San Francisco Frontrunners, who promptly snatched the idea and made it their own – with black dresses instead of red. But it was just a fun run with no charity component, and when the idea first migrated to Australia in 2003, the Sydney Frontrunners turned it into a fundraiser for Camp Goodtime.

“The atmosphere on the day is one of great community spirit and people coming together to raise money for Camp Goodtime – with a catch,” chief organiser Damien O’Brien tells SX. “It’s very light-hearted to see people going all out for a leisurely Saturday run in a little black dress – and Joyce always keeps the crowd laughing.

“Over the years the biggest change has been the amount of people who come along and get involved, and the efforts participants make with their outfits.”

Of course Joyce has some suggestions for the fashion-challenged. “As an Albion Park Rail style icon and almost Olympic athlete, there are a few tips for the less well-heeled,” she says. “People are always amazed that it takes me no time to get ready. The Mayngey Secret to the little black dress in a global financial crisis is to start cheap and keep adding until here until there is no space left on your body.

“By the end you should look like a packhorse of bling. Find runners boring? Just add glitter. Do you find it gross to eat your own bunions? Eat your friend’s bunions instead. So many simple, cheap yet effective ways to prepare for the fun run.”

Adam Check, Chief Executive of the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation, knows firsthand how critical the money raised through The Little Black Dress Run is.

“Feedback from families suggests that Camp Goodtime is an extremely valuable service,” he tells SX. “Following Camp Goodtime 2005, a 14-year-old participant stated ‘in terms of managing my HIV, Camp Goodtime is more important than my medication’. A parent attending for the first time explained the impact of the Camp on her three children: ‘It is as if a huge weight that they have been carrying for four years has lifted’.

“Camp Goodtime relies solely on donations and fundraisers to coordinate the event. Last year The Little Black Dress Run raised in $21,000, which is an amazing effort and contributed such a large part of what is needed to run the Camp each year. On behalf of the Sydney Children’s Hospital, I would like to thank everyone who is involved in this event, and I encourage everyone to get involved on the day and by donating to help this important Camp that makes such a difference.”

Joyce concurs. “I was a volunteer for Camp Goodtime and part of the committee that helped organise the camps,” she tells. “The Camp is important not only in terms of educational updates but also in peer support and reducing isolation.  During one camp I met an amazing family and later I became a friend and carer to the family. The kids have all grown up now but there are many great memories.”

Her final words on what to expect on the day? “Ankle biters, woofers, hairy legs, hairier shoulders, terrible wigs, uncoordinated runners and lots of bling. Basically it’s a hilarious fun run with a big dash of wackiness!”

The Little Black Dress Run starts at 9am on Saturday, February 20 at Paddington Gate, Centennial Park (foot of Oxford Street and Moore Park Road). There is no registration fee but a voluntary donation of $10 is suggested. Runners can also contribute by being sponsored by friends, family and co-workers, and can raise funds and donate directly to the cause at www.gofundraise.com.au/-littleblackdress.

There is an after-party at the Light Brigade Hotel (corner Oxford Street and Jersey Road, Woollahra) from 11am. Tickets $10 in advance from This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or $15 on the door.

Pictured: Little Black Dress Run 2009. Photo courtesy of Shane Pascoe.

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