It’s good to #RunAndTalk - register to host your run
#RunAndTalk is back - register your organised run from today!
During 23-29 September 2019 England Athletics, supported by Mind - the mental health charity, will be encouraging people to #RunAndTalk.
#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. England Athletics is passionate about improving mental health through running and will be encouraging everyone to get their running shoes on during #RunAndTalk week.
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*! This year, #RunAndTalk is supporting men’s mental health in particular, as research shows that men are less likely than women to report or discuss symptoms of common mental health issues**. We’re encouraging everyone to take the men in their lives, whether that be your partner, dad, brother, nephew, son or colleague… and go for a run!
If you're an England Athletics partner, affiliated club, RunTogether group, or other organisation with a UKA qualified leader or coach, then you can register now to host an organised #RunAndTalk run (scroll down for details). From 27 August, people will then be able to join in by searching for an organised run and booking online.
Liz Purbrick, England Athletics Inclusion Manager, said:
"We're encouraging as many England Athletics partners, affiliated clubs, RunTogether groups and other organisations to register, from today, to host an organised #RunAndTalk run.
Throughout the week of 23-29 September there will be hundreds of runs organised and led by UKA qualified leaders and coaches. All #RunAndTalk runs are open to people of all abilities, you can join even if you’ve never run before and are not a member of a club or group.
Whilst we’re placing a focus on men’s mental health in 2019, everyone can take part in, and benefit from, #RunAndTalk. Some runs will have volunteer Mental Health Champions joining in too, all of whom have experience of mental health issues themselves or through close family or friends and are passionate about improving mental wellbeing and supporting others."
How you can get involved…
From 1 August, England Athletics partners, affiliated clubs, RunTogether groups, and other organisations with a UKA qualified leader or coach, can register to host their organised runs. For more information on how to register your #RunAndTalk run click here to view our 'Organised Run' document (PDF 160KB).
From 27 August, anyone wanting to join an organised run will be able to search for runs and book online at www.runandtalk.co.uk
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!
Opening-up and endorphins are the answer!
A problem shared is a problem halved. By opening-up to others you not only lighten your load, you encourage others to share their story, helping others to feel comfortable to speak out too and supporting each other through shared experiences. It’s good to #RunAndTalk
Useful Information
Find out more about #RunAndTalk here
Find out more about men's mental health