The early morning fog hovering over Lake Ontario is expected to lift just in time for hundreds of participants lacing up their running shoes this Sunday for the annual Run Myles Ahead event along Toronto’s iconic Beach boardwalk. This grassroots fundraiser, now in its seventh year, has transformed from a small community gathering into one of the east end’s most anticipated charity events supporting youth mental health initiatives.
“What began as a memorial run with just 50 participants has grown into something that genuinely impacts thousands of young lives across the city,” explains Dr. Sarah Winters, child psychologist and event co-founder. “The stigma around youth mental health is finally breaking down, but the resources haven’t caught up with the need.”
The timing couldn’t be more critical. According to recent data from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, nearly 70 percent of mental health problems begin during childhood or adolescence, yet only one in five Canadian children who need mental health services receives them. The pandemic’s lingering effects continue to exacerbate what experts are calling a silent crisis among young people.
This year’s run, expected to draw over 2,000 participants, features 5K and 10K routes along the waterfront trail, family activities at Kew Gardens, and testimonials from young people who have benefited from previous fundraising efforts. The organizing committee hopes to surpass last year’s impressive $285,000 fundraising total.
“Every dollar raised goes directly to frontline services,” says Michael Torres, director of the CO24 News youth mental health initiative, which partners with the event. “We’re funding everything from crisis intervention teams to school-based counseling programs and digital mental health resources specifically designed for diverse youth populations.”
The event has garnered unprecedented corporate support this year, with several Canada based financial institutions and technology companies offering matching donations. Local businesses along Queen Street East have also stepped up, with many restaurants donating a percentage of Sunday’s proceeds to the cause.
Community engagement extends beyond the run itself. Throughout September, organizers hosted virtual workshops on youth mental health first aid, giving parents and educators practical tools to recognize warning signs and provide appropriate support. These sessions reached over 3,000 participants across the Greater Toronto Area.
Vanessa Chen, a 17-year-old peer support volunteer whose own mental health journey began three years ago, will be one of the featured speakers at Sunday’s opening ceremony.
“When I was struggling, I felt completely alone,” Chen shared during a recent CO24 Business podcast interview. “These programs showed me that mental health challenges don’t define you—they’re just part of being human. Now I get to help other young people understand that asking for help isn’t weakness; it’s actually incredible strength.”
Weather forecasts predict ideal running conditions for the event, which kicks off at 8:30 a.m. with registration still open for last-minute participants. Volunteers are also welcome to assist with route guidance, water stations, and event setup beginning at 6:00 a.m.
As Toronto continues navigating post-pandemic realities, events like Run Myles Ahead highlight how community-driven initiatives can address critical gaps in our social support systems. In a city often divided by geography and resources, the run represents a rare moment of unified purpose—proving that when it comes to youth mental health, we’re all running together.
What would it take for temporary community mobilization around youth mental health to evolve into sustainable, system-wide change that ensures no young person falls through the cracks?
