10 years of #RunAndTalk: the champions helping running communities thrive

As England Athletics celebrates 10 years of #RunAndTalk during this year's #RunAndTalk Week (5-11 October 2026), the campaign continues to highlight the powerful connection between movement, conversation and mental wellbeing.

Since its launch in 2016, hundreds of Mental Health Champions across the country have helped create welcoming environments where runners can talk openly, support one another and feel part of a community. Their impact reaches far beyond running sessions, helping people navigate life's challenges while building lasting friendships and support networks.

For original Mental Health Champion Kate Bone, the relationship between running and mental wellbeing has been clear for many years.

"When my mum died when I was 24, I found myself turning to running without really understanding why. I just knew that when I ran, I felt stronger and more able to cope. It gave me a sense that things might be okay and that I could keep moving forward."

After co-founding Muddy Runners, Kate witnessed first-hand the positive impact that running and community could have on people's lives. When England Athletics launched its Mental Health Champions initiative, becoming involved felt like a natural next step.

Ten years on, she believes one of the biggest changes has been the openness of conversations around mental health.

"Ten years ago, people often spoke about running helping them clear their head, but conversations about mental health were much less direct. Today, runners are far more comfortable talking about stress, anxiety, grief, confidence and wellbeing."

Building communities where people belong

That sense of openness is echoed by Mark and Debbie from MadRunners, who became involved when both their club and #RunAndTalk were in their infancy. The pair believe running offers a unique opportunity to support both physical and mental wellbeing.

"Our running community know who to go to, and whether it's speaking to one of our champions or to each other, they know it's okay to talk about mental health. It's also very clear that running always makes you feel better and our runners speak much more openly about it."

"As runners, we already have something amazing in common. Combining exercise with talking to each other, or listening, is a great way to support each other."

That belief is shared by Peter O'Grady, whose Friday run group has grown from just a handful of runners to a thriving social community where conversations continue long after the run has finished. What began as a simple run-and-chat session evolved into post-run gatherings over tea, coffee and biscuits in the car park, creating a space where runners could connect naturally. Peter told us:

"Many say it is now their favourite run of the week. We even have people turn up who aren't running. They come to talk. It's a meeting that's grown on its own and that's brilliant."

More than just running

Across all three stories, one theme remains consistent: running clubs have become places where people find belonging, confidence and support.

For Kate, one of her proudest achievements has been helping build beginner programmes that have introduced more than 2,700 people to running through Muddy Runners. But the real success is what happens beyond the finish line.

"The most rewarding moments aren't usually at races. They're seeing someone who once said, 'I can't run', cross a finish line, become a Run Leader themselves, or return years later to mentor somebody else."

Mark and Debbie have seen similar transformations within their own community, crediting the club's supportive culture and the network of leaders, coaches and volunteers who help members through both running and life challenges.

The next 10 years

As #RunAndTalk celebrates a decade of impact, the message from Mental Health Champions remains simple: you don't need to have all the answers to make a difference.

"A Mental Health Champion isn't there to fix people's problems," says Kate. "You're there to listen, create a welcoming environment, signpost to services where appropriate and remind people that they belong."

Peter agrees; "You never know who you might be helping by just being there and giving them someone to offload an issue to. When they say, 'thanks for listening', it's all worthwhile."

And for Mark and Debbie, the role is a natural extension of what many coaches, leaders and volunteers already do every day.

"Being a running coach isn't just about coaching for a few hours a week. It's a package of both physical and mental support to our runners."

Ten years after #RunAndTalk began, its legacy can be seen in running groups across England where conversations happen as naturally as miles are covered, proving that sometimes the most powerful support starts with simply taking the first step together.

Been inspired?

If the stories of Kate, Peter, Mark and Debbie have inspired you, why not consider becoming a Mental Health Champion within your club or group?

You don't need to be a mental health professional to make a difference. Mental Health Champions help create welcoming environments, encourage conversations, support people to feel connected and signpost individuals to further support when needed. As many of our champions have discovered, sometimes the most valuable thing you can offer is a listening ear and a supportive community.