Take It In Strides Run/Walk 2026

#TAKEITINSTRIDESRUN | September 13, 2026

WHAT IS THE “TAKE IT IN STRIDES INITIATIVE”?Join us for the FOURTH annual Take It In Strides Run/Walk, a powerful community initiative dedicated to honouring loved ones lost to suicide, raising awareness for mental health, and helping end the stigma surrounding suicide and mental illness.Over the past three years, thanks to your incredible support, we’ve raised more than $150,000. This year, we invite our community to come together once again to create an even greater impact.ABOUT THE EVENTTake It In Strides is more than just a run/walk it’s a movement focused on breaking the silence around mental health and suicide while reminding people that no one has to struggle alone.Whether you choose to:Run 5 km or 10 kmWalk 3 kmOr participate virtually from anywhereEvery step represents hope, remembrance, resilience, and support for those still fighting.This initiative aims to:Support individuals facing mental health challengesEmpower loved ones with education and resources to help othersEncourage open conversations surrounding suicide and mental healthRaise critical funds for the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and the Children’s Centre Foundation (CCF)Leading up to the event, we are partnering with organizations such as CMHA Thunder Bay and the Children’s Centre Thunder Bay to offer resources, workshops and training sessions focused on suicide prevention, mental health education, and community support.KITS & CARBS!Join us Thursday, September 10th from 5:00–7:30 p.m. at CMHA (200 Van Norman St.) for our Pre-Race Spaghetti Dinner & Race Kit Pickup! This evening is about so much more than loading up on carbs before race day. It’s our opportunity to come together, share stories, and talk about why this event is so close to our hearts. Throughout the evening, we’ll hear from keynote speakers representing each of our partner organizations, our event founders, local politicians, and more. We would love for you to join us for dinner if you’re able—or simply stop by, say hello, and pick up your race kit!
RACE KIT PICKUPThursday, September 10 | 5:00–7:30 p.m.
CMHA – 200 Van Norman St.
Spaghetti Dinner & Race Kit PickupSecondary Race Kit PickupFriday, September 11 | 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Fresh AirEVENT DETAILSDate: Sunday, September 13, 2026
Location: Boulevard Lake, Thunder Bay
Check-In Opens: 8:30 AM
Run/Walk Starts: 9:30 AM
Virtual Participation: Join us from anywhere in the world with your own meaningful activity.Take It In Strides 2026 via STRAVA — https://www.strava.com/clubs/1438372HOW TO GET INVOLVEDRegister online as an individual or teamFundraise using our online tools or printable donation formVolunteer on event day — high school students can earn volunteer hoursChoose your way to move: 5K run, 10K run, 3K walk, or virtual activityParticipate in suicide prevention workshops (details coming soon)Share a photo of a loved one for our online gallery and Memorial WallCapture the moment at the finish lineADDITIONAL WAYS TO PARTICIPATECommemorate a Loved One
Submit a name and photo to our online memorial gallery by Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, so we can honour them during the event.Spread the Word on Social Media
Share a message of hope or photo using #takeitinstridesrun.
Use our social media kit or create your own inspiring content.Become a Sponsor
Interested in supporting the event as a sponsor?
Contact us at takeitinstrides.yqt@gmail.com for sponsorship opportunities.Together, we can break the stigma, foster understanding, and take meaningful strides toward a future where mental health is prioritized, conversations are encouraged, and no one struggles alone.