Why I'm running 56km for suicide prevention

On the 22nd of September, Adelaide local Jarryd Erbsland will compete in a gruelling marathon along the picturesque Yurrebilla Trail. The trail, well known amongst hiking and trail enthusiasts, will play host to the 12th annual 56K Ultra Marathon in South Australia’s Mount Lofty Ranges.

56km is a colossal effort! Have you competed in a marathon like this before?

I’ve done four half-marathons and one 30km race, but I have never attempted this distance of trail running before so I am very much in uncharted territory.

I’ve always maintained a good level of fitness through running, but last year after my friend passed, I couldn’t run. I tried to use running as a coping mechanism, but it fell short as I began to have panic attacks while running. I gave up on running for months; I just couldn’t do it.

How did you get back into running and who has been your biggest support so far?

I decided earlier this year that I needed running back and the only way to do it was to go and conquer the fear I developed. My wife asked me what I wanted for my birthday, and I told her to enter me in a race that I couldn’t do. She did, and that was a massive catalyst to train hard.

What keeps you going?

As losing my friend nearly made me stop running, I thought it was fitting to have him as the inspiration for 56km race. My wife and kids have been a massive help. She’s told me to run and has given me the time to put in hours of training. My daughter has even started cross country!

Thank you for supporting R U OK? What made you decide to raise funds for us?

I chose R U OK? because of the simplicity of that question. It’s so simple but not asked enough. Looking back now, there were moments that stick out where I should have asked my friend how he was doing. But at the time, I didn’t notice the signs and I think the token male mentality of not talking may have held me back from asking. I’ve seen the devastation of losing him on everyone that loved him. I’ve seen changes in my friends and myself because of this loss. I hope that R U OK? can continue to open up more conversations that could prevent suicide and I’m determined to do my bit to get everyone asking the question.

You can support Jarryd’s fundraising efforts at https://give.everydayhero.com/au/yurrebilla-56km

If you or someone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.