Move It: Step Into September

Run 30km in 30 days this September.

Move It: Step Into September is Mental Health Ireland’s running and fundraising challenge for September 2026. Run 30km between 1 and 30 September and raise funds to support our work across Ireland. Complete the distance at your own pace and divide it across the month in a way that works for your schedule.

Start Your Challenge

Participant Resources

When: 1–30 September 2026
Challenge: Run 30km during September
How: Divide the distance across the month in a way that works for you
Fundraising: Create an iDonate page and aim to raise €300
Recognition: Register to receive a FREE Mental Health Ireland T-shirt. Complete your 30km challenge and receive a personalised digital certificate after the campaign.

How It Works

Create your fundraising page

Join as an individual or as part of a workplace, club or community team through the Step Into September iDonate event.
Set your target and personalise your page

Aim to raise €300, add a photograph and share a few lines about why you are taking part.
Run 30km during September

Complete 30km between 1 and 30 September. Divide the distance across shorter regular runs or several longer runs, depending on your experience and schedule.
Share your progress and raise funds

Send your page to friends, family and colleagues, and share updates as you reach 7.5km, 15km, 22.5km and 30km.
Celebrate your impact

Complete the challenge, thank your supporters and receive a personalised digital certificate of participation after the campaign.

Have questions? View the FAQs for more information, or contact us at fundraising@mentalhealthireland.ie.

Why Run?

Being active is one of Mental Health Ireland’s Five Ways to Wellbeing. More than half of people surveyed by Mental Health Ireland in 2025 said exercise was one of the ways they supported their mental health.

Set yourself a clear running goal this September. Complete 30km at your own pace while raising funds for Mental Health Ireland’s free mental health information, education, resources and community initiatives across Ireland.

Learn more about the Five Ways to Wellbeing.

Resources & Downloads

Access the distance tracker, Quick Start Guide, campaign graphics, fundraising templates and other resources to support your challenge.

View Participant Resources

Tip: bookmark the resource hub so you always have the latest files.

Your Impact

Your fundraising helps Mental Health Ireland provide free mental health information, education and resources for communities across Ireland.

€20

could provide 20 people with free pocket-size mental health booklets to help them understand and manage stress and anxiety.

€80

could contribute to the cost of a free community workshop providing practical tools for mental health and wellbeing.

€150

could help someone take part in a Woodlands for Health programme, connecting with nature to support mental health and recovery.

Learn more about where your money goes here.

These examples are based on average programme and resource costs. Actual costs and the use of unrestricted fundraising income may vary according to need, location and demand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about Move It: Step Into September? See below for more information. If you cannot find what you need, email fundraising@mentalhealthireland.ie.

What is the Step Into September challenge?

The challenge is to run 30km between 1 and 30 September 2026 while raising funds for Mental Health Ireland.

Do I have to run every day?

No. This is a month-long distance challenge rather than a daily running challenge. Divide your 30km across September in a way that works for your schedule.

Can I complete more than 30km?

Yes. The shared campaign target is 30km, but you are welcome to set yourself a longer personal distance if you would like an additional challenge.

Does jogging count?

Yes. You can complete the distance at any running or jogging pace that works for you. The challenge is about completing the 30km rather than how quickly you run it.

Can I include walk breaks during my runs?

Yes. Participants who are new to running or returning after a break may include walking intervals within their running sessions. Choose an approach that is appropriate for your experience and circumstances.

How should I track my distance?

Use the Step Into September distance tracker, a running watch or fitness app, or another reliable method that works for you. Add the distance from each run to your cumulative total.

What are the progress milestones?

The main campaign milestones are:

7.5km — 25%
15km — halfway
22.5km — 75%
30km — challenge completed

Do I have to fundraise?

Step Into September is a fundraising challenge and participants are asked to create or join an iDonate fundraising page. There is no compulsory minimum, but the recommended individual target is €300.

Can I take part with a team?

Yes. You can create or join a workplace, club, community or informal team through iDonate. Each participant completes their own 30km challenge while contributing to a shared team fundraising total.

Are there participant incentives?

Registered participants will receive a free Mental Health Ireland T-shirt. Participants who complete the 30km challenge will also receive a personalised digital certificate after the campaign.

Can someone under 18 take part?

People under 18 should participate with parental or guardian consent and appropriate adult oversight. An adult should create and manage any public fundraising page involving a person under 18.

What should I consider before starting?

Participation is voluntary. Choose a running plan that is appropriate for your health, fitness, experience and circumstances. Increase your distance gradually, allow time for rest and recovery, and consider seeking advice from an appropriately qualified professional if you have health concerns.

Where does the money raised go?

Funds raised contribute to Mental Health Ireland’s charitable work, including free mental health information, education, practical resources, awareness campaigns and community-based initiatives across Ireland.

How can I contact the campaign team?

Email fundraising@mentalhealthireland.ie.