Mindful Running
Six races that support mental health
ABOUT Offers support and campaigns to improve services and promote understanding of mental health issues.
THE RUN Tough Mudder Classic, West London
Wear old kit for this, because you’ll be binning it afterwards. There are 25 obstacles to conquer over ‘eight to 10 miles’ of sludge on this course in Culden Faw Estate, Henley. Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, May 10, mind.org.uk/get-involved support @toughmudder.com
ABOUT An emergency helpline for people suffering from extreme mental anguish.
THE RUN Edinburgh Marathon Festival (EMF)
Unless you’re in marathon shape, it’s probably too late to sign up for the full 26.2, but why not tackle the half or the 10K at this festival? The 10K is a city route that takes in Holyrood and views of Arthur’s Seat, while the half is a mostly coastal route east out of the city, finishing at Musselburgh. Edinburgh, May 23-24, samaritans.org/ support-us/events-and-fundraising
ABOUT Works to prevent a rise in mental health problems through advocacy, community programmes and research.
THE RUN London to Brighton Challenge
Don’t worry, you don’t have to run the whole way. Run-walk, jog-walk or just walk the 100km from the capital down to the south coast over two days. There’s free food and drink, and camping at halfway. Your glutes will forgive you, one day. London, May 23, mentalhealth.org.uk/ get-involved/as-a-fundraiserl2b@ ultrachallenge.com
ABOUT A mental health charity for children and young people
THE RUN Leeds Half Marathon One of the ever-popular Runforall series of city centre races. The crowds are always huge and the atmosphere is jubilant. The route for the 7,500 runners is a rough anticlockwise loop, starting and finishing in Millennium Square. West Yorkshire, May 10, youngminds.org. uk/get-involved/find-an-event
ABOUT CALM stands for Campaign Against Living Miserably; it provides mental health support and resources for men.
THE RUN Great Manchester Run 10K Part of the Great Run series, so you can be sure the organisation will be slick. The route, which begins at
Old Traffford, is flat and there are bands and entertainers galore to keep the spirits high along the course. Greater Manchester, May 24, thecalmzone.net/events info@greatrun.org
ABOUT UK-wide support for anyone with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and other mental health problems.
THE RUN Rough Runner
This is one of a series of obstacle events taking place throughout the UK; you can choose from 5/10/15km at the venue in Great Tew Park, Oxford. The organisers describe it as ‘Gladiators meets Total Wipeout, Ninja Warrior and Takeshi’s Castle’, which reflects the notion that this one is all about fun rather than going all out to bag yourself a personal best. Oxfordshire, May 23-24, mentalhealth-uk. org/get-involved/events/ team@ roughrunner.com