Up and Running Guelph has joined forces with Country Rumble for their annual Pick up the Pace event, set to be held in person this year for the very first time.
The fundraising event will help to support and expand their programs, with a goal of raising $25,000 this year.
There are three components to this year’s event.
On Sept. 25, there will be a one-kilometre country loop set up on Thatcher Farms, where people “can walk or run as much as they want,” within a four-hour period.
Country Rumble will be offering non-competitive 25km, 50km and 75km gravel routes for cyclists to ride on. Group ride leaders will guide participants through “the scenic country roads at a social pace.”
However, those who want to go faster are welcome to complete the routes on their own.
There will also be general admission events on the farm for those who just want to support the organization and have some fun, with things like live music, a pumpkin patch and an obstacle course.
“It’s really bringing everyone together. Everyone’s excited. You can just see people have been longing for in-person events,” said Up and Running executive director Kelly Legge.
Since 2016, Up and Running has been helping improve women’s mental health through 10-week walking and running programs, which bring “together nature, exercise and social connection to improve mental health and well-being.”
But there is a key difference between their programs and traditional exercise programs: “We’re not focused on going faster or further,” she said. “So when people come out, they know they’re not going to be judged. There’s no pressure.”
According to Legge, people who suffer with their mental health tend to isolate themselves, which can put them in a dark place. That's why getting up and outside is so important, and why they focus on encouraging participants to simply show up – even if it’s only for 10 minutes.
“So when people come out, they know they're not going to be judged. There's no pressure,” she said. “And that's what makes us unique. We're not focused on going faster or going further, we're focused on encouraging our participants to show up, just engage in using exercise as another tool for managing their (mental health).
Their programs currently serve more than 150 women, most of whom Legge has seen incredible transformations in since joining.
“I’ve seen lifelong friendships form. I’ve seen women who were on their own during the pandemic gain a support network, I’ve seen increased confidence,” she said. “Some women have stated they never imagined themselves coming out and doing what they’re doing, but now they have a sense of belonging, they matter, they know they’ll be missed.”
This is something Legge herself has experience with. In 2007, she was in a traumatic car accident that she said turned her life upside down. Green exercise helped her nurture her mental health, developing a sense of pride and accomplishment, and building a supportive community around her.
“I wanted to share that with others,” she said.
You can get a taste of that sense of community on Sept. 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. But if you’re not feeling the in-person crowds or can’t make it out, you can still Pick up the Pace Anytime with their virtual event, running from Sept. 17 to Sept. 25.
Registration to walk, run or cycle is $40 until July 25, $45 until Aug. 25, and $50 afterwards. Registration for the virtual event is $20. You can learn more here.
