#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 EVENT
Take 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 km
- Walk 3 km
- Or participate virtually from anywhere
Every step represents hope, remembrance, resilience, and support for those still fighting.
This initiative aims to:
- Support individuals facing mental health challenges
- Empower loved ones with education and resources to help others
- Encourage open conversations surrounding suicide and mental health
- Raise 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 PICKUP
Thursday, September 10 | 5:00–7:30 p.m.
CMHA – 200 Van Norman St.
Spaghetti Dinner & Race Kit Pickup
Secondary Race Kit Pickup
Friday, September 11 | 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Fresh Air
EVENT DETAILS
Date: 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/1438372
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
- Register online as an individual or team
- Fundraise using our online tools or printable donation form
- Volunteer on event day — high school students can earn volunteer hours
- Choose your way to move: 5K run, 10K run, 3K walk, or virtual activity
- Participate in suicide prevention workshops (details coming soon)
- Share a photo of a loved one for our online gallery and Memorial Wall
- Capture the moment at the finish line
ADDITIONAL WAYS TO PARTICIPATE
Commemorate 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.
Registration fees
Where pricing applies, shown amounts include mandatory charges, items, and fees.
Spaghetti Dinner Only (Thursday) Sept 10th) Closed
Spaghetti Dinner: Hosted by the New Foundations Program at CMHA Thunder Bay, this special evening brings our community together in support of mental health and suicide prevention. Join us to share stories, hear from keynote speakers, connect with one another, and celebrate the power of community and coming together for a cause that impacts us all.
-
CA$10.00
Registration cut off is Sept 5th
Apr 21 - Sep 13
10k run (Sept 13th) with spaghetti dinner option (Thursday) Sept 10th) Closed
10km run on Sunday Sept 13th and spaghetti dinner on Thurs. Sept 10th
-
CA$50.00
Registration cut off is Sept. 5th
Apr 21 - Sep 13
10k Run only (Sept. 13th) Closed
-
CA$40.00
Registration cut off is Sept. 13th
Apr 21 - Sep 13
5k run (Sept.13th) with spaghetti dinner Thurs.Sept. 10 th) Closed
5km run on Sunday Sept 13th with spaghetti dinner on Thurs Sept 10th
-
CA$50.00
Registration cut off is Sept. 5th
Apr 21 - Sep 13
5k Run only (Sept 13th) Closed
-
CA$40.00
Registration cut off is Sept 13th
Apr 21 - Sep 13
3k Walk (Sept 13th) with spaghetti dinner on Thurs.Sept 10th Closed
3k Walk (Sept 13th) with spaghetti dinner on Thurs. Sept .10th
-
CA$30.00
Registration cut off is Sept 5th
Apr 21 - Sep 13
3k Walk only (Sept 13th) Closed
-
CA$20.00
Registration cut off is Sept 13th
Apr 21 - Sep 13
12 years and under with spaghetti dinner on Thurs.Sept 10th Closed
this registration is applicable for 12 years and under that will be participating in event on Sunday Sept 13th and would also be participating in spaghetti dinner on Thurs.Sept 10th
-
CA$10.00
Registration cut off is Sept 5th
Apr 21 - Sep 13
12 years and under participating in event on Sept 13th Closed
for any distance (run or walk) on Sunday, Sept 13th; must be accompanied by an adult over 18 years of age
-
Free
Registration cut off is Sept 13th
Apr 21 - Sep 13
virtual participation (Sept 13th) + in person attendance at spaghetti dinner on Thurs. Sept 10th Closed
virtual participation (Sept 13th) + in person attendance at spaghetti dinner on Thurs Sept.10th
-
CA$30.00
Registration cut off is Sept 5th
Apr 21 - Sep 13
virtual participation only (Sept 13th) (activity of your choosing from any location (town) Closed
-
CA$20.00
Registration cut off is Sept 13th
Apr 21 - Sep 13
Top donors
| No. | Name | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | samia mckinnon | CA$269.32 |
| 2 | Denise Landry | CA$269.32 |
| 3 | Chris Dunnigan | CA$269.32 |
| 4 | Rhonda Dooley | CA$269.32 |
| 5 | Don Poirier | CA$269.32 |
Top teams
| 1 |
|
Isla's lightRaised:CA$3,138.56 |
|
| 2 |
|
Joey's Unfinished StoryCA$2,824.01 RaisedCA$2,000.00 Goal |
|
| 3 |
|
Walking for DJRaised:CA$1,917.98 |
|
| 4 |
|
Sarah's GladiatorsCA$1,138.83 RaisedCA$500.00 Goal |
|
| 5 |
|
Allan’s ReachCA$892.32 RaisedCA$500.00 Goal |
Top fundraisers
| 1 |
View fundraiser page for Hayley
|
Hayley VeldhoenCA$3,138.56 RaisedCA$500.00 Goal |
|
| 2 |
View fundraiser page for Nicole
|
Nicole DeschampsCA$2,157.98 RaisedCA$1,000.00 Goal |
|
| 3 |
View fundraiser page for Michaela
|
Michaela JamesCA$1,071.79 RaisedCA$1,500.00 Goal |
|
| 4 |
View fundraiser page for Sue
|
Sue ToppCA$795.39 RaisedCA$200.00 Goal |
|
| 5 |
View fundraiser page for Megan
|
Megan DysievickCA$719.51 RaisedCA$300.00 Goal |
Contact information
- Event contact
- Connor Remus - Co-Founder/Organizer
- Phone
- 18076303809
- Website
- Visit website
