Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon & 5K

Help support running for mental health as I train for my very first half marathon! I’ve committed to fundraising for Team Still I Run by registering as a charity bib for the Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon!

Still I Run is the first non-profit dedicated to running for mental health awareness, and it fills a vital role in our community. Through their tireless efforts, Still I Run promotes the benefits of running for mental wellness, helps remove barriers of entry for new runners, and provides a welcoming and accepting community for mental health warriors of all backgrounds and abilities. 

As someone living with mental illness, I know what a significant impact running has made on my own wellness journey. I was fortunate to receive their Starting Line Scholarship in autumn of 2024, which provided me with everything necessary to begin my journey as a runner - including new gear, entry into a local race, and the expertise of a coach to tailor a training program to my needs. With their unwavering support, I have been able to implement and maintain a running routine which has become an essential part of my mental illness recovery. 

You can read more about my experience with the Starting Line Scholarship on their blog here.

I was also welcomed into the Still I Run community, which has given me the opportunity to connect with others who relate to my experiences. I love their message that “forward is a pace” because it empowers me to go my own speed as long as I continue to take strides ahead! To learn more about the impact Still I Run makes in our community, click here.

As I prepare for this upcoming half marathon, we have the opportunity to work together in support of this cause. No donation is too small; each dollar is a step forward and makes a difference in building up our community! Together we can help run through peaks and valleys, take steps against the stigma, and make a real impact in running for mental health awareness! Thank you!

Follow my training journey on Instagram @chilloutbrusselssprout