Brook Hurditch, owner of Anytime Fitness in Bathurst, said members are clocking up as many kilometres as they can on the treadmill for their Tread as One program, which raises money for R U OK, a suicide prevention charity dedicated to encouraging and empowering everyone to ask "Are you okay?"

The Tread as One program runs for one week, from May 15 to May 22, with members trying to run or walk as much as they can, either inside or outside the gym.

Ms Hurditch said the Bathurst gym has a fundraising goal of $2,500, and as of Monday night had already raised an impressive $1,745.00.

She has also set a communal kilometre goal of 1000km, with members clocking up 121km in the first 24 hours of the challenge.

Ms Hurditch said the money raised will help R U OK has greater capacity to help the community feel connected and protected from suicide, by encouraging regular, meaningful conversations, and ultimately help change the lives of people in crisis or those struggling with life's ups and downs.

On Saturday, as part of the Tread as One program, the gym will also have a 12-hour event, with donations also being taken on the day.

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