Humber Polytechnic’s annual 5K Fun Run proves that running can be more than just a sport, it can be a statement.

Organized by students in the  Fitness and Health Promotion program, the event returns for its 18th year.

The race will take place on April 10 from noon to 3 p.m., beginning at Lot 4 of North Campus.

The 5K raises money for Stella’s Place, a non-profit providing free mental health services for Toronto youth aged 16 to 29.

Youth mental health challenges aren’t rare. According to the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), approximately one in five children and youth in Ontario face mental health struggles.

Additionally, the CMHA says 70 per cent of mental health challenges begin in childhood or youth, underscoring the importance of charities like Stella’s Place.

The decision to support Stella’s Place came as Humber began to return from the COVID-19 pandemic in 2022.

Carmen Puyo, event manager and course instructor, says the extra support is needed in post-pandemic times.

“I felt that the age range that Stella’s Place supports is around the age range of these students. After the pandemic, I think people needed that support more,” she says.

Since then, the event has raised more than $9,400 with a goal to raise an additional $4,000 this year.

Jade DeLisle first became aware of the 5K during his time in the Fitness and Health Promotion program, which he graduated in 2024, before enrolling in the Pre-Service Education and Training program at Humber.

In 2023, DeLisle created the run’s first-ever student-led team.

“Team DeLisle [Racing] falls back on the whole firefighter idea of we’re here to serve the community and help those who are in need, for sure,” he says.

At 12 years old, DeLisle was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which he says has motivated  his participation.

“It was a huge struggle for me,  … there were a lot of days where it truly did control me,” he says. “So, [being] able to give back to a company or an organization that really helps young adults with their mental health who are struggling—like I was at the time—really means a lot to me.”

Originally, he entered as an individual runner, before assembling his team—which only had one other member.

“We created Team DeLisle initially just to run this fun race and maybe raise a little bit of money, and our first year we raised way more than I ever expected,” he says. “Very fast I realized it wasn’t me running this race solo … I had a whole team of supporters behind me.”

In only two years, the team grew to almost 30 runners. The team even gained participants from Humber’s cross-country team, which DeLisle is a member of, as well as other varsity teams.

In that time, they raised more than $1,000, plus an additional $500 from this year’s donations; a number still rising with a week left in the funding period, which is open from February to April 9.

Fourth-year justice studies student Joshua Satnoo is just one of the many first-time participants running with the team.

“I feel like I’m part of something very big here … it just feels very good to be part of something so motivational.”

Team DeLisle’s dedication has been continually shown through their “go one more” mentality.

The quote originating from hybrid athlete Nick Bare, resonated deeply with DeLisle.

“Basically, what ‘go one more’ means at its core is when things get tough, when life gets hard, when you feel like you can’t do anymore, you not only accomplish what you feel you can’t do but accomplish it and then go a little bit further,” he says.

He says the quote has not only shaped the way in which he runs the team, but also his daily life.

“Sometimes I forget that it’s not even my own quote because I truly do try to live every day by it and share with people,” he says, adding: “It’s such a simple phrase, but when you’re in the toughest times, all it sometimes takes to hear is go one more and then that can spark and keep you going.”

Puyo says the race plays an additional role in community building.

“This shows Humber spirit, this shows community, and I think in the world that we’re living in today, this is what we need,” she says.

Satnoo says joining Team DeLisle has opened his eyes to the importance of giving back.

“Before I didn’t really do too much … [or] think much about it, but being part of a team like this, I noticed how important it is for the community,” he says.

Registration and donations can be made here.