Every October, runners across the country lace up not just for miles—but for meaning. Still I Run’s World Mental Health Day 5K isn’t just a race. It’s a movement. A declaration. A community-driven effort to break the stigma surrounding mental health, one step at a time.
This year, I’m honored to be part of it—not just as a participant, but as an ambassador, a Mental Health Runner, and a contributor to the Run Write Fight program. These roles have deepened my connection to the mission and shown me firsthand how powerful movement and community can be in healing.
💚 Where Your Registration Fee Goes: Programs That Change Lives
Still I Run is more than a nonprofit—it’s a lifeline. The funds raised from the World Mental Health Day 5K support several transformative programs:
🏃 Mental Health Runner Program
This initiative equips runners with gear, race entries, and emotional support to help them use running as a tool for mental wellness. As a Mental Health Runner myself, I’ve experienced the grounding power of this program. It’s not just about running—it’s about reclaiming agency over your mind and body.
✍️ Run Write Fight
Run Write Fight is a beautiful act of compassion through words. Volunteers write encouraging letters to individuals who are struggling with their mental health—offering hope, solidarity, and emotional support. These letters are sent to people in need, often at moments when a kind word can make all the difference. I’ve had the privilege of contributing to this program, and each letter feels like a small lifeline—a reminder that someone out there cares deeply, even if they’ve never met you.
🎓 Starting Line Scholarship
This scholarship removes financial barriers for individuals who want to begin their running journey as a tool for mental health. It provides shoes, gear, race entries, and mentorship—ensuring that cost isn’t a roadblock to healing. It’s a powerful way to say: “You deserve to start. We’ll help you get there.”
🌟 Ambassador Program
Ambassadors like me serve as advocates, storytellers, and community builders. We share our mental health journeys, host events, and support others in finding strength through movement. It’s a role that’s both humbling and empowering—and one that reminds me daily how connection fuels recovery.
✨ Why This 5K Matters
The World Mental Health Day 5K isn’t timed. But what you gain is far more valuable: solidarity, healing, and hope. Whether you walk, jog, or run, you’re part of a collective heartbeat—one that says, “You’re not alone.”
For me, this race is a ritual. It’s a way to honor my own mental health journey and to support others navigating theirs. It’s a moment to breathe, move, and reflect. And it’s a reminder that every step forward—no matter how small—is a victory.
📝 Join Us
If you’re looking for a race that’s more than just a finish line, this is it. Sign up, show up, and run with us. Your miles matter. Your story matters. And together, we can fight stigma with every stride.
Learn more and register at Still I Run’s website.https://raceroster.com/events/2025/108230/still-i-run-world-mental-health-day-5k
