Sachin’s Cross-Canada Run Stops in Ottawa

Last Sunday, the community gathered at the Ottawa Police Service Central Station to welcome an extraordinary guest—Sachin, known as “Sach In Motion”—as part of his cross-Canada run for mental health awareness.

Sachin is no ordinary runner. A former first responder and law enforcement officer, he is now on an ultra-endurance mission, running 50km every day—an ultramarathon daily—for more than 75 consecutive days. His journey began in British Columbia and has carried him thousands of kilometres eastward, step by step, fueled by a cause deeply personal to him: breaking the silence around mental health.

“You might not always notice it, but someone you know is battling mental health,” Sachin says. “It’s your neighbour. Your coworker. Your brother.”

“This movement is about them–and about how you can change what happens next.”

In Ottawa, supporters joined him for a 5km community run, starting with a warm welcome and meet-and-greet. Runners of all levels came together not just to cover distance, but to share in connection—the true heartbeat of Sachin’s campaign. 

“We could not support the work that we do without the generous donations, encouragement and community who rally around us as we seek to achieve our fundraising goals of $1 million dollars toward mental health initiatives across Canada.”

Unlike other coast-to-coast efforts that rush along the highways, Sachin deliberately slows down in communities, making space for conversations with veterans, first responders, youth, men taught to stay silent, and anyone facing mental health struggles. His message is simple yet powerful: no one should face mental health alone.

Gathering with OPS members was meaningful. Sachin notes on his website that one in two Canadian first responders show signs of a mental health disorder — over four times the rate of the general population.

As he continues eastward toward the Atlantic, Sachin carries with him the stories, hopes, and voices of Canadians he meets along the way. His run is not a race—it’s a movement, built on presence over performance, and connection over pace.

To learn more and support his journey, visit: sachinmotion.ca