Wolves RC Tackle Ultra to Fight Mental Health Stigma

Wolves RC Tackle Ultra to Fight Mental Health Stigma

A Perth community-based not-for-profit run club is taking on an ambitious fitness challenge to raise funds for Lifeline WA, while creating a safe space for people to talk openly about mental health.

After losing his brother-in-law to suicide in 2023, corporate executive Keith Mitchell founded Wolves Run Club and Mental Health Ambassadors to build a community where people could connect, share experiences, and support one another.

Since then, the group has grown to over 100 Mental Health Ambassadors and has raised more than $70,000 for Lifeline WA over the past 18 months.

“I realised I wanted to create a place where people could move their bodies but also have meaningful, open conversations about life, mental health, grief, relationships and all the things that don’t get talked about elsewhere,” Mr Mitchell said.

“We even have a group chat where members can share hardships, ask for advice, or just stay connected throughout the week,” Mr Mitchell said.

This week the club will be swapping their usual Saturday morning run at Leighton Beach for their biggest challenge yet: the Herdy’s Frontyard Ultra Marathon at Herdsman Lake.

The team aims to collectively run 3,000 miles (4,828 kilometres), with each mile symbolising a life lost to suicide in Australia each year.

Herdy’s Frontyard Ultra has become one of Australia’s most gruelling endurance events since launching in 2021 with hundreds of runners tackling a 6.71km loop every hour, on the hour, continuing until they can no longer complete a lap.

“While the Ultra is a serious physical challenge, for us it’s also about coming together as a club, sharing a common goal, and breaking down the stigma around talking about mental health,” Mr Mitchell said.

Wolves Run Club and Mental Health Ambassadors are aiming to raise $50,000 for Lifeline WA, an organisation whose values align closely with their own.

Lifeline WA CEO Lorna MacGregor said initiatives like this are critical for building connection and community.

“It’s so important that people in the community have safe spaces where people can connect, support one another, and have conversations that can make a real difference.”

“The Wolves fundraising and advocacy help Lifeline WA continue to support Western Australians in crisis.”

The Wolves Run Club and Mental Health Ambassadors will begin their challenge at Herdsman Lake at 4pm on Friday 13 March 2026, running lap after lap in support of mental health.

To donate to the cause visit: https://lifeline-wa.grassrootz.com/wolves-rc-at-herdy-s-frontyard-ultra