Miles For Smiles - Mental Health Awareness Run

My name is Nicole Troyer, in June 2024, I graduated from high school in Grande Prairie, Alberta. I struggled with mental health quite frequently throughout the years. I was always surrounded by friends, but I couldn't shake the feeling of being alone. At 19, I often feel like I’m hovering between where I am and where I want to be. I didn’t go to college right away or move out, seeing my friends build their futures makes me question everything. They seem happy, pursuing career dreams, they have a good job and a nice house! How could they be struggling too? Everyone has stuff they don't talk about and that's why I've decided to run across Alberta to raise awareness for mental health and those silent thoughts that people can't get out on their own.

On June 10, 2025, I will be running alongside the highway from Lloydminster to Demmitt to raise awareness for mental health. Starting in Lloydminster, running through Edmonton and Grande Prairie, and finishing in Demmitt. I plan to run 42km a day, making it across Alberta in just under 3 weeks. I will be splitting the marathon into 3 sections, run the first 21km, walk 10km, and finish off running the last 11km. I did this with the intent that people would come join the run, if you aren’t a runner, come join the walk or bring a bike. Following close behind me will be a camper, where I will sleep, eat and shower. When the recorded 42km is completed, I may be miles away from a “parkable” location. If this happens, I will mark the spot with spray paint, drive to the nearest spot to camp, and then return to the marking the next day to continue running.

The biggest question to this run is, why? Why would I do something so extreme to raise awareness for something everyone knows about? A few years ago, someone very close to me attempted suicide. It was heartbreaking but I never imagined I’d have to go through it again. Then, just a few months ago, another loved one did the same, but this time, I stood there, watching helplessly as paramedics fought to revive her before rushing her away in an ambulance. I struggle every day feeling so angry, followed by guilt because I know what it feels like to be at that point. We shouldn’t have to see people on a stretcher to realize they are struggling. We see people every day going to work and taking care of themselves, but still fighting battles all day long. The degree of someone’s mental health struggles does not determine its importance.

Growing up, I watched in awe as my Dad crossed the finish line after running over 20 hours during a race. In 2019, I started running with him, from a quick lap around the block to running our first ultramarathon together in 2022. The longer I run, the more exhaustion sets in, not only physically, but mentally as well. Yet, in that exhaustion, my built-up emotions surface, the fight or flight response fades, and I find clarity in the chaos that once overwhelmed my mind. Throughout this run, I wish to give the awareness that I understand the negative thoughts and horrible feelings, I will be joined by people who also understand and relate. We are running for you, to make you feel heard and seen.

Thanks to the donations from sponsors and many supporters, I’m excited to make this running event happen! With the cost of a support vehicle, travel expenses, food and nutrition, I have budgeted just over $10,000 in order to complete the run.

When completed, all remaining funds will be donated to Solstice Integrated Wellness Center, in Clairmont, which is a structured program for youth struggling with addiction, trauma, eating disorders, or any other form of mental health concerns.

Solstice House provides a variety of programs such as voluntary and court-mandated detox and stabilization programs; and educational programs for teens which include life skills, work experience, and social skills training.

Solstice House is staffed with wellness coordinators and medical staff who ensure the emotional, spiritual, and physical health of clients throughout the period of their stay.

Thank you so much for your support! Together, we will change lives!