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WE RAISED
 

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OUR
STORY

The Take It In Strides run was born from a shared commitment to raising awareness and supporting mental health and suicide prevention. This powerful event encourages participants to take bold steps, not just for their physical health, but for their emotional well-being, breaking the stigma and starting conversations that truly matter. Every stride taken is a step toward healing, hope, and a stronger, more resilient community, proving that together, we can make a difference and move forward with strength and purpose.

REGISTRATION COMING SOON

2026

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WHO WE
SUPPORT

The CMHA provides vital mental health services, advocacy, and education, while the Children's Center Foundation offers a safe space for young people in need of support.

 

By supporting these organizations, the event helps ensure that essential resources are available for those facing mental health challenges, creating a stronger, more resilient community.

Canadian Mental Health Association

 Supporting Mental Health In Thunder Bay & The Region 

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Children's Centre Foundation

 Supporting Health & Wellness Services For Children & Families 

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

  • Donate to a participant or team

  • Volunteer on event day — high school students can earn volunteer hours (sign up here)

  • Choose your way to move: 5K run, 10K run, 3K walk, or virtual activity

  • Participate in suicide prevention workshops

  • Share a photo of a loved one for our online memorial gallery and Memorial Wall

  • Capture the moment at the finish, tag @takeitinstrides_run

  • Join us on social media @takeitinstrides_run on  (Facebook, Instagram).

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.

OUR EARLY
REGISTRATION

 

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MAY 14 - JUNE 14, 2026

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PRIZE

DISCOUNT

20% OFF

OUR
community


IMPACT

150,000+

RAISED

4TH

ANNUAL EVENT

500+

PARTICIPANTS

2

MENTAL HEALTH

ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTED

Workshops

WORKSHOPS/RESOURCES
TO HELP 
PROMOTE  CHANGE

Mental health is not only the avoidance of serious mental illness. Your mental health is affected by numerous factors from your daily life, including the stress of balancing work with your health and relationships. In this section you will find resources to help you stay mentally fit and healthy

- Understanding Suicide
- Safetalk Around Suicide
- Sharing Your Story // Grieving
- Myths About Mental Illness
- Who does it affect?
- Training // Warning Signs

MENTAL
HEALTH
IS HEALTH

 LINKS - To Some Amazing Resources 

Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Two-Day Workshop - L
earn how to: 
Recognize invitations for help, Reach out and offer support, Review the risk of suicide, Apply a suicide intervention model, Link people with community resources

Agenda

AGENDA  SEP  13 , 2026

8:30am - 9:00am

Check In

Main Stage

9:00am - 9:15am

Opening Ceremonies 

Main Stage

9:15am - 9:25am

Group Stretch

Main Stage

9:30am - 11:00am

RUN START & FINISH

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Main Starting Line 

11:00am - 11:30am

Closing Ceremonies 

Main Stage

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Click here for the order form.

 

Note: Take It In Strides merchandise is available for sale at Balance Chiropractic

(240 Hill St N, Thunder Bay, ON P7A 5W2) 

Thank you for your support.

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Also For Sale
New Nike Dri-FIT
Swoosh Perforated Cap

OTHER 
RESOURCES
WITHIN
OUR
COMMUNITY

Are you in crisis?

If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs immediate assistance, go to the nearest hospital or call 9-1-1. Feeling suicidal or just need someone to talk to?

Contact The C.M.H.A Crisis Response Services

 

807.346.8282.

THANK YOU TO OUR
2025

sponsors


+

All our amazing "In-Kind" Sponsors 
The Jaida Project, Tim Hortons,  Pepsi Co., The Sal,  

 

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- BE IN THE KNOW -
FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIAL PLATFORMS 

  • Stravalogowhite.png.f0d08c14832d0146aabd56c901d66c71
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Spotify
  • Youtube
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