Record year for #RunAndTalk
From 23-29 September 2019 England Athletics, supported by Mind – the mental health charity, delivered our annual #RunAndTalk campaign. Back for the fourth year, this is a campaign and movement that is building momentum, getting bigger and better each year – this year being a record year with a total of 294 runs delivered throughout the week!
#RunAndTalk is a week-long campaign aimed at breaking down stigmas associated with mental health and improving mental health and wellbeing through exercise and running, something England Athletics is committed to and extremely passionate about.
1 in 4 of us experience mental health problems each year and, in England, 1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (such as anxiety and depression) in any given week.
There were hundreds of runs throughout the week, with lots of fantastic pictures and stories shared on social media using the hashtag #RunAndTalk. People of all ages, experience levels and abilities took part, pounding the streets, parks and pavements; running, walking and talking, and generally having a great time. Getting a good dose of feel-good endorphins, socialising and discussing mental health and well-being.
Liz Purbrick, England Athletics Inclusion Manager, said:
“It was another fantastic campaign this year with a record number of runs, a significant increase year on year and a 40% increase in new runners. We’re passionate about #RunAndTalk and will continue to develop and build on this each year. We place a lot of focus on the campaign during this week, however, it’s something that we encourage and support all year round.
“Many of the organised runs were led or supported by Mental health Champions, all of which have experience of mental health issues themselves or through close family or friends and are passionate about improving mental wellbeing and supporting others. Many organise #RunAndTalk runs on a weekly and monthly basis throughout the year, and encourage people to run for fun, meet new people and create strong community and friendship circles around their running groups.”
Applications are open until Thursday 31 October for clubs and groups to join our #RunAndTalk programme – click this link to find out more.
There are so many positive mental health benefits from exercise and running, some of which are listed below...
Reasons to #RunAndTalk
- Reduce stress and ease anxieties
- Improve mental and physical wellbeing
- Improve your mood
- Boost confidence and self-esteem
- Exercise and socialise – meet new people, make friends!
Did you take part in this year’s #RunAndTalk? If so, we’d love to get your views in our post-event survey. Click this link to take part in our short survey – it'll only take a couple of minutes to complete.
Head over to our social media pages to see more of the posts and images shared throughout the week. Search for posts and pics using the hashtag #RunAndTalk, links to our pages below:
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
It’s good to #RunAndTalk