Moving miles for the mind

Trafalgar-based mental health charity Bettermentall is out to get the community connecting through movement at its inaugural 'Mind Over Miles' event on Saturday.

The running fundraiser will welcome people of all ages and experience to the Joe Carmody Athletics Track in Newborough, where participants enter as individuals or a team to move around the track for a long as they want up to 24 hours.

While the 24-hour challenge will be taken on by the heartiest of runners and the bravest of teams, organisers emphasised that anyone was welcome, even if they wanted to just stop by for a 10-minute walk.

All proceeds from Mind Over Miles will go to Bettermentall and their work in the community.

Bettermentall co-owner Jason Rantall said the event was as much about helping people connect as it was about raising money.

"We're all about bringing people together and connecting through movement," he said.

"It's an all-inclusive event, everyone is welcome. We really want people to come along and try and help each other get as far as they can."

Participants can choose just how long and far they want to run/walk, or even sign up as a virtual participant and move from home.

Teams of up to 10 runners can sign up to tackle the 24-hour challenge, with at least one team member required on the track at any time to stay in the hunt.

Trophies will be presented to the longest distance covered in the individual and team categories, with a coveted spray-painted gold runner from Jason's best ever Backyard Ultra race up for grabs as the top prize.

Ultra endurance running champion Jack Hanley, who represents Australia in Backyard Ultra, will attend for a training run.

"Come along and join in," Jason said. "We don't want people to focus on the 24 hours and think it's an intense ultra kind of event, people can do as much or as little as they want and stay to have a chat."

Jason and his wife Kerry, who runs Bettermentall with him, are aiming to make Mind Over Miles an annual event that grows yearly.

"Supporting us will go into supporting the community," Jason said.

Mind Over Miles begins on Saturday, October 3 at 2pm and will finish at 3pm the next day due to daylight saving taking effect overnight.

To purchase a ticket go to trybooking.com/dosyi or scan the QR code.