MIND ON TRACK

Supporting uni student mental health and creating awareness

About ourselves and what we aim to achieve

We’re Emma Gidney and Nick Thornton, postgraduate students at Australian Catholic University, and we’re taking on a challenge that’s as much about endurance as it is about mental health.

On the 26th Feb 2026, we’ll attempt to run the entire Sydney train and metro network – line-by-line, over just 10 days – covering around 600 km. To our knowledge, this has never been done before.

Our reason behind this initiative

As students ourselves, we know how tough juggling multiple aspects of life can be – with the stress, pressure, and isolation often taking a toll on your own mental wellbeing. This student-led initiative is about more than running. It’s about showing that when we push our limits together, we can raise awareness, break down stigma, and encourage conversations.

Everyday people across Sydney take the train, whether it’s to work, school, for social outings, family catch-ups, etc. It is the one place all of Sydney are connected and where people often cross paths without even knowing. This helped spark our idea to base this running initiative around the train line. The train line represents movement, connection, and the daily journeys people take: physically and mentally. And while we may cross paths on a daily basis, we never truly know how someone's day is going and how that is impacting them. With our run along the Sydney Train line, we hope to show how just one conversation may help spark many more among others throughout our daily commute.

We also both understand mental health looks different for everyone, and people often feel connected to one organisation more than the other. That’s why we’re passionate about supporting both Headspace and Lifeline Australia, two organisations that help advocate across different demographics, supporting those who may be struggling to encourage access to such amazing services. 

Our goal

Our goal is to raise $2,500 to each charity to support their services, while also spreading the message that nutrition, lifestyle, and community connection can play a powerful role in mental health. Throughout the challenge, we’ll share evidence based tips, insights, and stories designed to inspire other people to look after both their physical and mental wellbeing, while also increasing awareness of the common barriers associated with poorer mental health outcomes, encouraging the use of services such as Lifeline and Headspace who help reduce those barriers, increase access, and reduce the associated stigma of asking for help.

How to connect with us

We’d love your support in helping us reach our goal and making a difference for people everywhere. We are sharing our training journey and raising awareness through our instagram page @mind.on.track

Give us a follow so you can see our journey and help spark conversations.