Glenfield Park Anytime Fitness kicked off a 24 hour treadmill challenge on Friday at 3pm and gym manager Peter Moran said it was an important issue to focus on. 

“Suicide is an issue that touches nearly everyone,” he said.

“It’s pretty rare to talk to someone who hasn’t been affected by suicide.”

“It would be nice for it to be an issue of the past, but for that to happen we need to talk.”

Mr Moran lost a person in his life to suicide a few years ago.

“It was a shock,” he said. 

“The community needs to talk and make sure this issue is at the forefront.”

Kelly Rands, the manager of the Anytime Fitness gym at Wagga said about 30 people had signed up this year to take part.

“We need to get people to talk to somebody if they are struggling,” she said.

Mr Morand and Ms Rands fill in for when there’s nobody rostered on, last year Mr Moran did eight hours all up last year. 

The treadmills will be going for 24 hours and locals, trainers and members were invited to walk, run and dance their way through 15 minute intervals. 

Figures from Lifeline Australia state there are more than eight deaths by suicide in Australia each day and for every death by suicide, it is estimated that as many as 30 people attempt to end their lives. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental illness, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.