The Speed Freaks Charitable Trust invites the Ōtautahi | Christchurch community to Run for a Reason on Sunday 21st September 🩵

Falling within Recovery Month and ahead of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week (6th-12th October), runners and walkers are invited to take part in celebration, memory or support of a loved one that has found their path to recovery, lost their battle to addiction and/or mental distress or is currently struggling.

On the day, we will encourage you to write this person’s name on your bib in place of your own – to honour their journey and challenge the negative stigma that still exists around addiction and mental distress.

With 50–80% of New Zealanders experiencing mental distress, addiction challenges or both in their lifetime and 1 in 5 people experiencing mental health and addiction challenges in any given year* – we want to acknowledge, openly support and raise awareness of the fight that many in our community face.

But we also want to offer hope! Hope of a brighter future built on understanding, inclusivity and connection.

The Speed Freaks Charitable Trust supports recovery from addiction and mental distress through running, walking and community connection. The money raised from this event will help us sustain and further develop our mahi. In return, we promise to bring our usual positive vibes – filling the event with upbeat tunes 🎶 fun dress ups🕺🏼creative face paint 🎉 awesome spot prizes 🎁 and inspiring stories of recovery 🌟

So get your whānau and friends together and join us at Ngā Puna Wai to walk, jog or run as many laps of the track as you like - all while honouring a loved one and raising crucial funds for the crew in blue.

We can’t wait to see you there!

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🗓️ Sunday 21st September

📍 Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub, Augustine Drive off Halswell Road (free parking on site)

⏰ Check-in and registration open from 9am; briefing and warm-up from 9.45am

🏃🏼‍♀️ First lap from 10am 🏃🏼‍♂️ Final lap by 11.30am

Wheelchair, walking frames and stroller friendly (no scooters, bikes or dogs please)

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➡️ General admission: $23 pre-registered / $30 on the day

➡️ Speed Freaks admission: $13 pre-registered / $20 on the day (must own & wear your Speed Freaks t-shirt)

➡️ 16 and under: free

Pre-registration open until midday on Saturday 20th September.

No refunds – the event will go ahead come rain or shine!

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* He Ara Oranga: Government Inquiry into Mental Health and Addiction (2018)