G’day! My name’s Nick.

In 2025, I’ll be running 8 half marathons across the 8 Australian states & territories within 8 months - all to spark conversations about men's mental health.

Oftentimes, the hardest challenge we can face is ourselves - the negative thoughts that stick and the emotions that rush in uninvited. Every one of us has a story. For some of us, it's easy to share that story. But for many of us, it can be difficult to find that voice and instead, we turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms to silence that voice. About 1 in 5 men experience a mental health disorder, and men account for 75% of suicides in Australia. Loneliness plays a huge role in this. That’s why I’m doing this - to encourage men to share their stories, and remind us that we’re not alone.

Running has been a game-changer for my mental health. I started running as a teenager to deal with negative self-talk and stay in tune with my body. But in recent years, with a few big changes in my life, I slowly lost my motivation and connection to running. Like many men, I turned to unhealthy ways of coping. This year, I’m making a change. I’m committing to this challenge—not just as a physical goal, but as a way to reconnect with myself and help others do the same.

This isn’t just about finishing races. Each run is a chance to start conversations. While I’ll document my journey, I’ll also highlight the incredible work being done across Australia supporting men's mental health. Every half marathon will explore a unique theme, sharing my story, reflections, and real conversations. By sharing my story along the way, I hope to encourage men to do the same - and to do it with something that has been so beneficial for my mental health.

Like running, mental health isn’t about perfection. It’s about being patient, taking one step at a time, and knowing you don’t have to do it alone. This mission is meaningful to me, and to so many others. I’m really excited for this journey—follow along, donate to the cause, and help keep these conversations going!

Planned race schedule (2025):
16 March - Darlington Half Marathon, WA
13 April - Canberra Times Half Marathon, ACT
4 May - Adelaide Running Festival, SA
1 June - Wollongong Running Festival, NSW
26 July - Australian Outback Marathon, NT
3 August - Sunshine Coast Running Festival, QLD
16 November - Point to Pinnacle Half Marathon, TAS
30 November - 2XU Wellness Run, VIC

Men account for 75% of suicides in Australia. I'm pledging $75 for every race I finish.

Instagram: @run.nickc
YouTube: @run_nickc