#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.
LOAD UP ON CARBS!
We’re excited to host a Spaghetti Dinner on TBD at the CMHA (200 Van Norman St).
Join us for a night of connection, remembrance, and community spirit.
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.
10k run (Sept 13th) with spaghetti dinner option (Thursday) Sept 10th)
10km run on Sunday Sept 13th and spaghetti dinner on Thurs. Sept 10th
-
Register for 10k run (Sept 13th) with spaghetti dinner option (Thursday) Sept 10th)CA$50.00
Registration cut off is Sept. 5th
Apr 21 - Sep 6
10k Run only (Sept. 13th)
-
Register for 10k Run only (Sept. 13th)CA$40.00
Registration cut off is Sept. 7th
Apr 21 - Sep 6
5k run (Sept.13th) with spaghetti dinner Thurs.Sept. 10 th)
5km run on Sunday Sept 13th with spaghetti dinner on Thurs Sept 10th
-
Register for 5k run (Sept.13th) with spaghetti dinner Thurs.Sept. 10 th)CA$50.00
Registration cut off is Sept. 5th
Apr 21 - Sep 6
5k Run only (Sept 13th)
-
Register for 5k Run only (Sept 13th)CA$40.00
Registration cut off is Sept 7th
Apr 21 - Sep 6
3k Walk (Sept 13th) with spaghetti dinner on Thurs.Sept 10th
3k Walk (Sept 13th) with spaghetti dinner on Thurs. Sept .10th
-
Register for 3k Walk (Sept 13th) with spaghetti dinner on Thurs.Sept 10thCA$30.00
Registration cut off is Sept 5th
Apr 21 - Sep 6
3k Walk only (Sept 13th)
-
Register for 3k Walk only (Sept 13th)CA$20.00
Registration cut off is Sept 7th
Apr 21 - Sep 6
12 years and under with spaghetti dinner on Thurs.Sept 10th
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
-
Register for 12 years and under with spaghetti dinner on Thurs.Sept 10thCA$10.00
Registration cut off is Sept 5th
Apr 21 - Sep 6
12 years and under participating in event on Sept 13th
for any distance (run or walk) on Sunday, Sept 13th; must be accompanied by an adult over 18 years of age
-
Register for 12 years and under participating in event on Sept 13thFree
Registration cut off is Sept 7th
Apr 21 - Sep 6
virtual participation (Sept 13th) + in person attendance at spaghetti dinner on Thurs. Sept 10th
virtual participation (Sept 13th) + in person attendance at spaghetti dinner on Thurs Sept.10th
-
Register for virtual participation (Sept 13th) + in person attendance at spaghetti dinner on Thurs. Sept 10thCA$30.00
Registration cut off is Sept 5th
Apr 21 - Sep 6
virtual participation only (Sept 13th) (activity of your choosing from any location (town)
-
Register for virtual participation only (Sept 13th) (activity of your choosing from any location (town)CA$20.00
Registration cut off is Sept 7th
Apr 21 - Sep 6
Top donors
| No. | Name | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nicole Deschamps | CA$216.62 |
| 2 | Meghan James | CA$108.31 |
| 3 | Gramma Saarinen | CA$108.31 |
| 4 | Anonymous | CA$54.63 |
| 5 | Anonymous | CA$54.63 |
Top teams
| 1 |
|
Joey's Unfinished StoryCA$216.62 RaisedCA$2,000.00 Goal |
|
| 2 |
|
NOSMURaised:CA$27.80 |
Top fundraisers
| 1 |
View fundraiser page for Michaela
|
Michaela JamesCA$375.02 RaisedCA$1,500.00 Goal |
|
| 2 |
View fundraiser page for Nicole
|
Nicole DeschampsCA$216.62 RaisedCA$1,000.00 Goal |
|
| 3 |
View fundraiser page for Robert
|
Robert EssexRaised: CA$54.63 |
|
| 4 |
View fundraiser page for Carol
|
Carol SaarimakiCA$27.80 RaisedCA$200.00 Goal |
|
| 5 |
View fundraiser page for Rebecca
|
Rebecca KuzmichRaised: CA$27.80 |
Countdown to event
Contact information
- Event contact
- Connor Remus - Co-Founder/Organizer
- Phone
- 18076303809
- Website
- Visit website
