Mental Health in Motion 2026
A 5K Walk for Wellness
September 13, 2026
Register for Mental Health in MotionJoin us for a fun, family-friendly 5 km walk to step toward better mental health in our community. Mental Health in Motion is about supporting people in York Region and South Simcoe, including adults, youth, and families, so they can access care, feel supported, and know they are not alone. Funds raised help support our programs, including youth services like MOBYSS, which provides free, confidential care for youth ages 12+.
Walk for Mental Health in our Community
- Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
- Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Walk starts at 10:00 AM)
- Location: Tom Taylor Trail, AOK Park, 535 Timothy Street, Newmarket
- Registration Fee: FREE! (registration is required to participate)
- Virtual Option: Participants may join in person or virtually
- Accessibility: The trail is fully accessible (wheelchairs and strollers welcome)
- Pets: To help maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all participants, please keep your pets at home
Why Participate?
Support your own well-being and help your neighbours! Movement, time outdoors, and community connection can all have a positive impact on mental health, and this event is designed to be welcoming, energetic, and inclusive for all ages and abilities.
Fundraising Incentives
Each participant is encouraged to raise $250 to directly support CMHA York Region and South Simcoe. Raise funds and earn rewards along the way:
- $100: Toque
- $300: Toque & Belt Bag
- $700: Toque, Belt Bag & Socks
- $1,000+: All items + entry into top fundraiser prize draw
Event Highlights
- Take a tour of MOBYSS, CMHA’s mobile mental health clinic for youth
- Photobooth with backdrop and props
- Guest speakers and lived experience stories
- Top fundraiser prizing and community recognition
- Kids Zone with family-friendly activities
- Light refreshments and snacks provided
Steps for Stories: Memories Pathway
New this year, participants can dedicate a sign along the walk route to honour a loved one or share a message of hope. Steps for Stories will create a meaningful Memory Pathway for walkers to experience throughout the event. To reserve a sign, please complete the event registration first and log back in to place an additional order.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Businesses and community partners are invited to support Mental Health in Motion through event sponsorship. Sponsorship helps expand the reach and impact of the event while demonstrating a meaningful commitment to mental health in our community. To learn more or reserve a sponsorship, please contact Vicky Hatzopoulos at vhatzopoulos@cmha-yr.on.ca.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is Mental Health in Motion 2026?
Mental Health in Motion 2026 is a free, family-friendly 5K walk promoting mental wellness and raising funds for CMHA York Region & South Simcoe programs. - When and where is the Mental Health in Motion walk?
The event takes place on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the Tom Taylor Trail, All Our Kids Play Park (AOK Park) in Newmarket. - Is the Mental Health in Motion walk free?
Yes, registration is free, but it is required to participate. Participants are encouraged to fundraise $250 to support our mental health programs
- How do I register for the Mental Health in Motion 5K walk?
You can register online through the official event page or use the registration link here. - Who can participate in Mental Health in Motion?
The event is open to individuals, families, youth, and community members of all fitness levels and abilities
- Is the event accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the trail is fully accessible and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. - Can I participate virtually or on my own?
Yes, participants have the option to join the event virtually from anywhere if you can’t make it on the day-of the event. - Is the Mental Health in Motion walk suitable for kids?
Yes, the event is family-friendly and includes a Kids Zone with activities. - What does Mental Health in Motion support?
Funds raised support mental health programs in York Region and South Simcoe, including youth services like MOBYSS and other mental health programs for individuals in our community. - Why is walking good for mental health?
Walking and physical activity can help reduce stress, improve mood, and support overall mental well-being while fostering community connection. Just 21 minutes of brisk walking a day can lower risk of depression by 25%! - Do I have to fundraise to participate?
Fundraising is optional but encouraged! We would love every participant to raise $250 to help fund our mental health programs. - Are there prizes for fundraising?
Yes, participants can earn rewards such as CMHA merch and prizes based on fundraising milestones. We also have a top fundraiser prize draw. - What time does the walk start?
The event runs from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with the walk starting at 10:00 AM. - Can I bring my dog to the event?
Pets are not permitted to help maintain a safe and welcoming environment. - What should I bring to the walk?
Participants should bring comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, water, and team spirit! - What activities are included in Mental Health in Motion?
The event features a tour of MOBYSS, CMHA’s mobile mental health clinic for youth, photobooth, guest speakers, prizes, a Kids Zone with family-friendly activities, and light refreshments - What is the Steps for Stories Memory Pathway?
Participants can dedicate a sign along the walk route to honour a loved one or share a message of hope. To reserve a sign, please complete the event registration first and log back in to place an additional order. - How can businesses sponsor Mental Health in Motion?
Businesses and community partners are invited to support Mental Health in Motion through event sponsorship and downloading our sponsorship package. - Are there mental health events near me in York Region?
Join Mental Health in Motion, a fun, family-friendly 5 km walk to step toward better mental health in York Region and South Simcoe. Funds raised help support our programs, including youth services like MOBYSS, which provides free, confidential care for youth ages 12+.
