Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Week through #RunAndTalk 2026

Next week marks the start of Mental Health Awareness Week and England Athletics’ #RunAndTalk Week 2026 in collaboration with Mind. This year, the theme is ‘Action’, acknowledging the importance of action, as well as awareness, in supporting those struggling with their mental health.

This year, Mental Health Awareness Week coincides with England Athletics’ #RunAndTalk Week 2026. The #RunAndTalk programme encourages open conversations about mental health to reduce stigma, raises awareness and support, and helps people with mental health challenges engage in running at any stage of their journey.

We recently caught up with James, the Chair of Newmarket Joggers AC, to discuss how #RunAndTalk has become a monthly event at the club, giving their members a dedicated time and space to meet up and discuss important topics like mental health.

“We introduced #RunAndTalk as part of our new ‘Talk and Train’ monthly sessions. The idea was to replicate the feel of a clubhouse where members could get to know each other on an informal basis, as we don’t have a central clubhouse. #RunAndTalk fitted in perfectly as it got members to run together with people they wouldn’t in terms of pace."

“This encourages a greater team and community spirit around the club, and soon #RunAndTalk was the most well-attended session of any training session we put on.”

This year, the club decided to focus on specific areas surrounding mental health in running, including community, volunteering and friendships. The sessions start with an update on the latest club news, awarding the ‘Jogger of the Month’ trophy, and then a 30–45-minute talk on a chosen topic. The club brings in local guest speakers and holds informal workshops to encourage members to interact with each other. The sessions end with their #RunAndTalk 5k, with the whole group sticking together no matter the pace.

“The ‘no one left behind’ ethos is central to #RunAndTalk, emphasising that pace doesn’t matter. What truly counts is the opportunity to connect and spend time together.”

“For some, it might be their only time in the day they actually get to chat face-to-face with someone else.”

The sessions are led by the club’s Mental Health Champions, who are vital in the delivery of #RunAndTalk. At Newmarket Joggers AC, the Mental Health Champions meet up to plan the content for the monthly sessions, as well as figure out ways to make sure members feel relaxed and enjoy themselves.

“During the run, we make sure everyone is included, and the group is kept together. We’re also a first point of contact at the club for anyone who might be struggling with their mental health. Personally, I have had some rewarding conversations with members who have reached out.

“Being a Mental Health Champion has genuinely been one of the most rewarding things I have ever been involved in within the running environment.”

James also reflected on the support the club received through the Club Improvement Fund last year and how that helped their monthly events get off the ground.

“The Club Improvement Fund was incredibly useful for launching our ‘Talk and Train’ sessions and hence #RunAndTalk. The funds allowed us to book a venue for the first year at no extra cost to the club, which helped keep membership fees at the same value. Having the venue helped create the community spirit around the club, especially in winter when people tended to drift away after the run as there was nowhere dry or warm to converse.”

Finally, James shared his advice to clubs and groups who are yet to take part in #RunAndTalk:

“Just get on and do it! Putting together a #RunAndTalk session is easy, especially with England Athletics’ support. For a relatively small club, members have reported back that they’ve spoken to so many new people as a result of #RunAndTalk.

“It also helps attract people from outside the club who might see joining a running club as intimidating.”

There is still time to register for #RunAndTalk Week 2026, so why not take action this Mental Health Awareness Week and get involved? Whether you’re a club, group, or individual, #RunAndTalk offers a simple but powerful way to start conversations, build connections and support each other through running.