Michael is running across the length of Japan to raise awareness and funds for a cause close to his heart.
South Africa (25 September 2025) – Eight years ago, a young lady named Aimee Howard lost her mental health battle to suicide. She was a light to anybody who knew her. Sadly, without access to mental health resources like therapy, Aimee’s bright spark was lost.
But it wasn’t forgotten.
Aimee’s boyfriend, Michael Larter, is determined to make a real difference.
In honour of his late girlfriend, Michael’s goal, through the Aimee Howard Foundation, which he started, is to help break financial barriers and bridge the gap to get young adults the help they need.
He’s on a mission to support others battling the same darkness that Aimee did. Inspired by the greats like the Hardest Geezer and Terry Fox, Michael has put his trail skills to good use and is running for a purpose.
To raise funds and spread the word about the foundation, he takes on different running projects to gain support and bring awareness to mental health and suicide prevention.
Last year, he ran across SA for the cause and raised a total of R60 000!
Now, he’s almost a month into his most ambitious project yet. On September 1, he started a solo run across Japan, from north to south.
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“I lost my girlfriend a few years ago and it’s since become a life goal of mine to make a difference in the mental health of young people. So, I’m raising funds. Possibly in the craziest way, by running the length of Japan,” says Michael.
Michael started his run in Cape Sōya in Hokkaidō and will end up at Cape Sata on Kyūshū island.
So far, after 21 days on the solo run, he’s covered over 874 km of the 3100 km journey. On average, running about 45 km every day.
Along the way, he’s learned a thing or two about adaptability, endurance, and what consistent commitment over time can do.
“Running alone for 21 days in a foreign country where almost no one speaks your language gives you a lot of time to think. I think a lot about how amazing we are as a species to be able to adapt to any situation and my current experience is proof of that. I’ve adapted to a lifestyle of running an ultra distance everyday. My body feels stronger on day twenty-one than it did on day one. My mind has adjusted to no longer see 45km as a hard distance to run. My energy levels are improving as my body learns to manage its calories and burn other sources, sparing my glycogen which I’m thankful for because the first two weeks I felt like I was going to pass out after every run. If you give yourself the chance you can adapt to any situation. Just give yourself time,” he says.
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Michael’s why is everything, and it’s the reason we are rooting for him all the way.
“I’m really grateful for my body and mind handling this challenge. Nothing about this is easy. But my reason why is strong enough to push me forward.”
If you’d like to follow Michael along on his journey, visit his Instagram page. If you’d like to donate towards the Aimee Howard Foundation, visit this link.
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