On the 26th February 2022, we lost a dear friend, Jimmy Petrie, to suicide.
Jimmy was a fun, caring, beautiful soul that would light up your day every times you were around him.
A year after him losing his battle with mental illness we decided to set up an event to raise funds and awareness to help prevent suicide in our community.
The Long Night was formed in 2023, Josh, Dean & Gus ran 118km from Fed Square in Melbourne to The Shed Gym in Ballarat.
Our mission is to continue to raise awareness in our community on suicide prevention and mental health awareness. We want to help others realise they always have someone to turn to, regardless of how alone they feel. We wish to do this by creating a safe environment for these people to speak in, as well as raising funds for the James Petrie Fund. The James Petrie fund has been created to support projects which respond to mental health issues in the Ballarat region and support youth engagement.
This year, we are still look to raise as much awareness as possible in helping those that are suffering with mental health. We plan to do this by raising as much money as we can for the James Petrie Fund. This money will go towards much needed resources in the Ballarat Foundation, who’s work is a constant on the front line in our battle for mental health in the community.
This event will be a 24 hour enduro-run performing as many 6km laps of the designated course as possible.
The 6.7km loop is on varying terrains through the trails.
The event starts at 9am on Saturday and ends 9am Sunday.
The event runs for 24 hours in the dark to symbolise the struggles of mental health and being alone in the dark with the sun rising in the morning. We understand that this is a hard undertaking and not for the faint hearted, we don't expect you to be running for 24 hours straight! You can take as many breaks as you need, but we do expect that you remain at the venue for the entire time and finish together. You can even sneak in a nap if you want to!
The last lap cut off will be 8.30am.
Mandatory equipment:
Recommended Gear:
Logistics on the day
Please note space is limited in the shed. You will be allocated a space to set yourself up when you come in for the event. Please do not bring tables, eskis etc. You may bring a chair. Jigs from FoodbyJigs has generously donated his time and food to supply food for all the athletes. You will not need to bring any food - TRUST US!
The menu will be emailed closer to the event to athletes, please let us know if you have any dietary requirements, Jigs is more than happy to accommodate!
You will be allocated a fuel station area with in the gym where you can setup.
Entry to the Shed will be from 7am with briefing from 8.30am.
Support crews are welcome - in fact they are encouraged!
Please note there are no teams this year, this is a solo event.
Sign up for this year here! Cost is $180 and all proftis go towards the James Petrie Fund.
James Petrie was a deeply respected, kind and compassionate man who had an incredible ability to light up any room. Growing up in Ballarat, he was known for his adventurous spirit and playful nature. As his family grew, he became the fun-loving uncle to seven adoring nieces and nephews.
James attended St Columba’s Primary School and St Patrick’s College before completing a degree in Health and Physical Education at Ballarat University. His passion for mentoring young people led him to work in the boarding communities at St Patrick’s College and Ballarat Grammar before joining the teaching staff at Ballarat High School in 2012. He was a dedicated and inspiring teacher, encouraging students to reach their full potential, particularly through VET Sport and Recreation, VCAL and Outdoor Education. He also initiated Ballarat High School’s first Kokoda trek experience in 2019, sharing his love for adventure with the students.
Beyond teaching, James was a natural leader on and off the field. He was a valued player, coach, and mentor with the Ballarat North Soccer Club for 12 years and the Waubra Football Club for 10 years. His love for travel and the outdoors took him across Australia and the world, always seeking new challenges.
In 2021, James faced a difficult battle with depression. Despite his resilience, support from family and friends and his proactive approach to mental health, he tragically lost his fight in February 2022. His experience highlights the complexities of high-functioning depression, which can often go unnoticed.
James was a passionate advocate for mental health, supporting initiatives such as R U OK, Walking Off the War Within, The Resilience Project, Kokoda Trek and Beyond Blue. His family and friends are committed to continuing his legacy by supporting mental health programs and youth engagement initiatives in the Ballarat community.
James was heavily involved in community sports and fitness. He was an advocate for good mental health and was never shy of fitness challenge. He inspired many others to achieve their fitness and mental health goals too.
Ballarat is experiencing significant mental health challenges. Around 13% of the population lives with long term conditions such as depression and anxiety. This is significantly higher than the Victorian average of 9% and represents a 44% increase. In addition, the rate of intentional self harm, particularly among men, is higher in Ballarat than in Melbourne and the rest of the state. These statistics reflect a growing mental health crisis in our community and highlight the need for accessible, preventative and early intervention support services.
The highest rates of mental health conditions are found among people aged 25 to 44. This is a stage of life often shaped by financial pressures, work demands and family responsibilities which can all compound the risk of poor mental health. Beyond the numbers are families, workplaces and friendship groups who feel the ripple effects when someone is struggling. These challenges are often made worse by stigma, financial stress and difficulty accessing timely support.
According to the Ballarat Vital Signs 2025 report, mental health remains an area of concern, with higher distress and suicide rates than the state average.
Around one in six residents experience depression or anxiety, though it’s encouraging that more people are seeking help. The data highlights the need for continued investment in prevention, early support and community-based wellbeing programs. Creating mentally healthy communities starts with open conversations, accessible services and reducing the stigma that still surrounds mental illness.
Please reach us at thelongnightchallenge@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
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