Why Tony ran 20km a day for R U OK?

hello • 2 July 2020
Tony Thomas pushed himself every day in May, clocking up more than 500km to raise awareness and funds for R U OK? Tony averaged around 20km per day, but he also scored some personal goals and ran his first ever ultra-marathon distance of 50km on May 31. We spoke with Tony to find out why he took up this challenge, and what tips he has for anyone considering a month-long fitness challenge.

Tony, tell us about the challenge you took on:

I love running and I wanted to focus my own regular running efforts into something that had a purpose. I was aware of many people close to me who were struggling with their mental health due to the impact of isolation, disconnection and unemployment, so before thinking through the scale of the challenge, I decided to run #EveryDayInMay and post my efforts on social media in support of R U OK? By the end of the month I had run 562km, with a total running time of over 50 hours, culminating in my first every ultra-marathon distance of 50km on May 31st.

Why did you choose to run in support of R U OK?

The work that R U OK? do to promote the need for real conversations and connections to help people who are struggling is so important in ordinary times, but even more important in times like these where there is a combination of isolation, disconnection and unemployment. R U OK? is a great organisation doing great work at a really important time.

There are four main reasons I decided to take on the challenge. Firstly, to raise money for R U OK? Secondly, to raise awareness for the positive impact exercise has on mental health. Thirdly, to help with my own mental health whilst in isolation, and finally, I wanted to be a positive influence and role model for my two kids, Bella and Jack.

Why is asking “Are you OK?” important?

Asking R U OK? is important for people like me who are too afraid to say they are struggling or too proud to ask for help. There are many people struggling in silence, and the question R U OK? provides an opportunity for people to say they are NOT OK.

Do you have any tips for everyone participating in the ‘K’s for R U OK?’ event this July?

Whilst I ended up running a heap of kilometres in my #EveryDayInMay challenge, it’s not about distance running. I ran because I love running. It’s about getting outside, getting air in your lungs, and connecting with others through any form of exercise. Do what’s right for you, and don’t overdo it.  

Do you have any tips for those raising funds?

Try setting yourself smaller challenges within the month and ask people to support your achievement of those. Also make sure you share your efforts on social media to build support throughout the month.

By getting involved not only are you supporting a great cause, but you’ll feel the benefits to your own mental health as a result of the exercise you do.


Thanks for the support Tony! You’ve made an impact. You can check out Tony’s efforts by searching #EveryDayInMay on Instagram.

Join the K’s for R U OK? challenge at join.ruok.org.au

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