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Join the Official Strava Challenge
Set your goal, track your movement, and see your progress alongside thousands of participants. The official Strava Challenge makes it easy to take part from anywhere.
One Week. One Movement. Let's Run for Mental Health.
Join thousands of people across the country for the first-ever National Run for Mental Health Week, October 3-10, 2026.
Every mile and every minute counts toward a nationwide celebration of movement, community, and better mental health.
It's free to participate. Sign up today and be part of the movement.
A National Celebration of Movement and Mental Health
National Run for Mental Health Week is Still I Run’s new annual campaign celebrating the powerful connection between physical and mental health.For seven days, people across the country will run in support of their mental well-being. Everyone has mental health, right? Whether a person has a mental illness, or just wants to feel more grounded and clear, Still I Run, a national nonprofit, believes running can help (and research backs that up!) Run a mile a day or run several miles a day. Your pace, your story. This week is a chance to care for your mind, connect with a supportive community, and remind others that movement can be one valuable tool in a larger mental health toolkit.
How to Participate
Sign Up For Free
Register for National Run for Mental Health Week and let us know you’re part of the movement. Once you sign up, you’ll receive updates, education, encouragement, and everything you need to participate.
Choose How You'll Move
Set your own goal for the week. Run a mile, take a daily walk, or join a group run in your city (hint: See if there is a Still I Run chapter near you!) There’s no minimum mileage requirement and no specific pace you need to meet.
Move With Us October 3-10
Complete your activity during National Run for Mental Health Week. Participate on your own, with friends, through the official Strava Challenge, or at an in-person community run.
Share Your Story
Post about your experience, invite others to join, and help spread the message that movement can support our mental well-being. Use #RunForMentalHealthWeek and tag @StillIRun so we can cheer you on.
Countless Ways to Be Part of the Week
National Run for Mental Health Week offers something for every pace, every story, and every way of showing up.
Move Your Own Way
No Strava account or organized event is required. Run, walk, or choose another way to move wherever you are. Set a goal that feels right for you and participate on your own schedule throughout the week.
Celebrate With The World Mental Health Day 5K
Close out the week with Still I Run’s World Mental Health Day 5K on October 10. Complete your 5K virtually or check out our in-person activations with Fleet Feet.
Why We Move
Movement is one of the most accessible tools many of us can use to support our mental health. Regular physical activity may help reduce stress, improve sleep, support emotional regulation, and strengthen our sense of confidence.
Moving with others can also create connection and belonging. Setting a manageable goal can help us recognize what we’re capable of, while taking time to care for our physical health can have a meaningful effect on how we feel in everyday life.
Running and movement won’t solve every mental health challenge, and they are not substitutes for professional care. They can still become healthy, supportive parts of a broader mental health toolkit.
National Run for Mental Health Week creates space to celebrate that connection while reminding people they don’t have to move through life alone.
Sign Up For Free
Count me in!
Join the first National Run for Mental Health Week, happening October 3-10, 2026.
Once you register, you'll receive event updates, participation ideas, helpful resources, reminders as the week gets closer, and exciting content all throughout National Run For Mental Health Week.
National Run For Mental Health Week
About Still I Run
Still I Run is a national nonprofit organization that promotes running for mental well-being so more people can live healthier lives.
Through community run chapters, the Mental Health Runner Program, Team Still I Run, nationwide events, and other supportive programs, we create opportunities for people to experience the mental benefits of movement and connect with others who understand.
National Run for Mental Health Week brings that mission to communities across the country. It gives all of us a chance to move, talk openly about mental health, and show others that no one has to face their journey alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Run For Mental Health Week?
National Run for Mental Health Week is Still I Run’s annual campaign celebrating the connection between running and mental well-being. From October 3–10, people across the country will run at their own pace, support their mental health, and help create more open conversations about mental illness. Participation is free, and there is no required distance or pace.
Is National Run for Mental Health Week free?
Yes. Signing up and participating is completely free.
How do I participate?
Register for free, choose a running goal for the week, and complete your miles anytime from October 3–10. You can run on your own, with friends, or through the official Strava Challenge. Share your experience using #RunForMentalHealthWeek and tag @StillIRun so we can cheer you on.
Do I have to be a runner?
No. You can walk, hike, bike, roll, or move in another way that works for you.
Is there a required distance?
No. You choose your own activity and goal.
Where does the event take place?
National Run for Mental Health Week is a nationwide event that you can join from anywhere.
Is the World Mental Health Day 5K included?
The 5K is an optional event held on October 10 as part of the week’s celebration. This can be done virtually or by participating in a hosted run near them. It requires separate registration, and you can choose from the available registration and swag options.
Do I need to use Strava?
No. The Strava Challenge is one way to participate, but it is not required.