Man running 785 kilometers to raise money, awareness for mental health

The Canal Pursuit for Mental Health is celebrating its 5th year and over $50,000 raised for the Mood Disorders Society of Canada. Founder Clay Williams is hitting the road again on August 10.

He will run 785 kilometers, from Port Severn to Parliament Hill. Williams will be touring through Merrickville on August 16 and plans on spending the night in Burritts Rapids. The run wraps up in Ottawa on the 17th.

Williams says raising awareness for mental health is a personal mission. He noted his two older brothers died by suicide and his wife, daughter and older sister all struggle with depression. 

Williams says his goal is to address the stigma. He explained a big part of the run is talking to people along the way, by handing out postcards to start conversations. Williams says far too many people have told him they lost a mother, brother, sister, uncle or father to mood disorders. 

If anyone is interested in running alongside Williams for a segment of the route, contact him by emailing [email protected]. 

For more information about the Canal Pursuit for Mental Health, or to donate, click here.