When Rohan Martin Ritchie turns 18 early next year, he won’t be celebrating the coming-of-age milestone by hitting the nightclubs or hosting a big party, he will be running 100km in a day to fundraise for his local headspace centre.
“Parties don’t really appeal to me – I’m more of a morning person,” Rohan joked. “I’ve seen first-hand how many teenagers and young adults struggle silently with stress, anxiety and depression so I decided to do something that challenges me, helps people in need and, hopefully, inspires others to take the time to look after themselves and their loved ones.”
Rohan, an accomplished runner who has completed multiple ultra-marathons, plans to run 100km uninterrupted on Sunday 15 February 2026. It’s an ambitious challenge that will push him physically and mentally, but the soon-to-be Box Hill High School captain hopes it can raise mental health awareness and promote self-care among his peers.
“Over lockdown I started running by getting on the treadmill at home and over time I really got into it. The ability to do something hard and overcome that challenge was satisfying for me, and it helped me develop discipline and work ethic, which has translated to other areas of my life,” Rohan said.
“I believe self-care is not only about supporting yourself, it’s also about challenging yourself too; pushing yourself to grow and improve. My version of caring for myself is showing myself I can do something hard, proving to myself that I am capable and that I can achieve my goals.”
The 17-year-old has decided to dedicate his 100km fundraising challenge to the Mind Australia-managed headspace centre in Box Hill.
Rohan said he chose mental health and headspace Box Hill as his nominated cause after seeing family and friends struggle with their mental health throughout his life, and the need to better support students navigating the challenges of years 11 and 12.
“It varies from person to person, but I think as a society we can better support kids undergoing senior exams and the final stages of secondary school,” Rohan said.
“I think we [young adults] often don’t think mental health and self-care are particularly important due to stigma. People could be helped by working on their mental health more, and I think it’s often overlooked because the rewards for looking after your mental health aren’t as obvious as working on your body in the gym or studying to improve your marks.”
Mind Australia CEO Gill Callister praised Rohan’s extraordinary generosity, maturity and selflessness in using his 18th birthday as an opportunity to support his community.
“On behalf of everyone at headspace Box Hill and Mind Australia, I’d like to thank Rohan for so kindly choosing headspace Box Hill as the nominated beneficiary of his 100km running challenge,” Ms Callister said.
“The funds Rohan raises will make a life-changing difference to young people in the Box Hill community who need support for their mental health and wellbeing. The money Rohan raises will enable headspace Box Hill to increase its community engagement efforts with local schools and sporting groups, and host group activities for young people and the broader community.”
Rohan is currently running six-to-seven times a week in preparation for his 100km challenge. On top of running, his training also includes rigorous strength and heat sessions to help him prepare for the gruelling summer weather that awaits in February.
“Running is something that has really helped me mentally, so doing something like this – surrounded by friends and family – is going to be an amazing way to celebrate becoming an adult,” he said.
“Not everyone is lucky enough to have the level of support I have, and that’s exactly why I want to use running – something that has helped me so much in life – to help others.”
To donate to Rohan’s challenge, visit his MyCause page.