ENGLAND ATHLETICS LAUNCHES #RUNANDTALK EVENTS TO BOOST MENTAL HEALTH THROUGH RUNNING

Hundreds of runs to take place across the country in support of World Mental Health Day

 A nationwide series of #RunAndTalk events, targeted at improving mental wellbeing through running, have been launched by England Athletics through the RunTogether network between 6-10 October to finish on World Mental Health Day.

#RunAndTalk Week will once again place a focus on improving mental wellbeing through running – encouraging people to help break mental health stigma by meeting for a run and discussing mental health.

Running has been shown to provide notable mental health benefits, with an England Athletics survey revealing that running in a group makes 90% of people happier and 74% of runners saying running is good for their mental wellbeing.

Despite all the mental health benefits of physical activity and running, people with mental health problems can find it difficult to get started for a number of reasons, from negative body image and lack of self-esteem through to practical reasons such as having no one to go with, or not knowing where to get started.

#RunAndTalk is supported by mental health charity Mind and a network of over 420 volunteer England Athletics Mental Health Champions. The volunteers are active in affiliated running clubs and registered running groups across England and support runners who are experiencing mental health problems. The support available includes helping people to start running, get back into running, or continue running, as well as to improve the mental wellbeing of their existing members.

Head of Participation Programmes, Tracey Francis, said:

“We are proud to once again host #RunAndTalk Week from 6-10 October 2025 through our RunTogether network. This dedicated week of runs concludes on World Mental Health Day, highlighting the powerful connection between running and mental wellbeing. We believe running should be inclusive and accessible to all, and initiatives like #RunAndTalk are key to breaking down stigma and promoting the social, emotional, and physical benefits of getting active together.”

Mind’s Head of Physical Activity, Hayley Jarvis said:

“England Athletics have been true leaders in supporting the nation’s mental health, with #RunAndTalk helping people feel less alone and break down the stigma around mental health. We know running can boost resilience and reduce the risk of depression by between 20-30%, as well as play a huge part in recovery alongside things like medication and talking therapies. We’ve proudly supported England Athletics since the very beginning, and we’ve seen first-hand how powerful a friendly welcome, a listening ear, or an encouraging leader can be. We’d love to see more people lacing up their trainers and discovering the difference running can make for their body and mind.”

To join a #RunAndTalk organised run, click here and use #RunAndTalk on social media to be part of the conversation.

Check out the England Athletics RIA Alliance Partner profile here  .