Running For A Cause: Nicole Troyer’s 790-Kilometre Mental Health Awareness Journey

Nineteen-year-old Nicole Troyer.

On June 10, Nicole Troyer set out on an extraordinary journey, running 790 kilometers across Alberta. Beginning in Lloydminster, her route will take her through many towns and cities, and ending Demmitt, near the Alberta–British Columbia border. Her goal is to complete this marathon of marathons in just 19 days.

But Troyer’s mission goes far beyond the physical challenge. She is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, striving to break the assumption that people who appear happy or put-together aren’t struggling. Through her run, she hopes to remind others to remain mindful and compassionate, because so often, the deepest struggles are hidden behind the brightest smiles.

Funds raised during her journey will support Solstice House in Clairmont, a cause close to her heart. Several sponsors have joined her effort, including Adventure Aviation, RB Oilfield Hauling, Sentinel UAV, Enframe Construction Ltd., Sawmill, Subway, and Sunburst Graphics, helping to cover the costs of the run so that all of the funds raised can go directly to Solstice House.

To complete the daily distance of 42 kilometers, Troyer has devised a unique approach: she runs the first 21 kilometers, walks the next 10, and finishes by running the final 11. By breaking up the marathon this way, she hopes to encourage others to join her, whether to walk, run, or cycle along the way. She and her Dad even have some bikes in the back for anyone wanting to join, but not run.

Her dad, Phil Troyer, an Ultra Marathon runner himself, has mapped out her daily routes and understands the physical and emotional toll such a journey can take. He follows closely behind in a pickup truck, always ready with a snack, a protein shake, or whatever else she may need.

Each night, Troyer will camp to rest, eat, and shower. If no campsite is nearby, she’ll mark her stopping point by the last range road reached, travel to the nearest campground, and return to the same spot the next morning to continue.

Nicole’s drive is deeply personal. Over the years, she has quietly battled her mental health struggles, often feeling alone even when surrounded by friends. She knows the pain of nearly losing someone she loves to a suicide attempt, and more recently, watching helplessly as paramedics worked to revive another loved one before rushing them away in an ambulance. These moments have left her fiercely determined to ensure others never feel unseen or unheard.

Nineteen-year-old Nicole Troyer as she runs past Vermilion.

Her passion for running began in her teens, watching in awe as her father crossed the finish line of a grueling 20-hour race. In 2019, she started running with him, and by 2022, they had completed their first ultra marathon together. For Troyer, the longer the run, the more her emotional walls begin to fall away. The physical and mental exhaustion clears the noise, allowing clarity to rise from the chaos.

As she runs along Alberta’s highways, she’s well equipped with her water vest and a variety of snacks to maintain her energy. Her father follows with hazard lights flashing for safety. If you see her on the road over the next few weeks, don’t hesitate to honk, wave, cheer her on, or even join her for a stretch.

Troyer has raised just over $6,000 in less than a week. To follow her journey, visit her Instagram and Facebook pages under @mhawarenessrun. Donations can be made through her GoFundMe page at gofundme.com/f/miles-for-smiles-mental-health-awareness-run or via e-transfer to milesforsmilesalberta@gmail.com.

Nicole Troyer is not just running for a cause, she’s running to remind us all that everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and supported.