RESIDENTS in Horsham and Ararat will be working up a sweat in the name of mental health on Friday.
Both clubs are participating in the Tread As One event, which raises funds for mental health organisation R U OK?
Participants sign up to use a treadmill for as many 15 minute blocks as they like over a 24-hour period, and also donate to the cause.
In Ararat participants will run between 6am Friday and 6am Saturday, and in Horsham it will run from 9am Friday to 9am Saturday.
Related: Tread for mental health awareness
Ararat club manager Lauren Armstrong said the show of support leading up to the event has been strong.
"Running the 24 hour treadmill challenge to raise awareness and support for suicide prevention and mental health is so important to myself as a manager here at Anytime Fitness, as not only is it close to my heart but it hits close to home for so many people out there," she said.
"Eight people take their lives everyday in Australia, and for every death it's estimated 30 million people will attempt suicide and 89 per cent of people report knowing someone who has made an attempt.
"Suicide is also the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 18 to 44, with more Australians losing their lives to suicide each year than road accidents or skin cancer.
"That's why it's so important we get involved in this amazing fundraising event each year, as we love seeing the whole community getting behind this important event."
It will be the second year Ararat Football Netball Club senior player Aaron Pianta has done the event.
"I've signed up to do half an hour in the morning," he said.
He said it was hard to think about anyone going through the grief of losing a loved one to suicide.
"It's shocking when you see families and mates go through it and end up taking their life, and I guess I want to raise a bit of money to hopefully save someone's life," he said.
"Any little bit counts, and it's only a little bit of time on the treadmill and out of your day, and it will hopefully help someone."
"It's just good that Anytime Fitness does this and I hope they raise a bit of money for it. Loz (Lauren) the manager has been awesome."
The event also helps to bring the community together and talk about mental health.
"The Tread As One 24-hour treadmill event is a way for the community to come together and help make a positive impact and raise awareness in a fun and supportive," she said.
Horsham club manager Tyra Milgate said it's a great opportunity to give back to the community.
"It's something that Anytime Fitness Australia supports and something we know is close to us personally and a lot of our members so it's something we hope will give back to our own community," she said.
"At this stage we're looking at running the treadmill for the full 24-hours with 30 minute time slots so essentially 48 people.
"Obviously exercise and mental health work in conjunction with each other so we hope that through the gym we can help support the community and our members through more than just exercise."
Last year the club raised $1858 and Australia-wide the event raised In 2018 the effort raised $417,037.
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