Marathon runners in London sought by charity Mind to mark World Mental Health Day
Last updated 8/24/2010 9:38:28 AM
Marathon runners in London sought by charity Mind to mark World Mental Health Day
Mind is calling for 10 people from every London Borough to join its team of runners for a half marathon to mark World Mental Health Day.
The mental health charity hopes to raise awareness and so improve the lives of people with mental distress, by participating in The Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon on October 10.
Now in its third year, the event attracts up to 12,500 runners and fund-raises for over 160 charities, last year raising more than £2.5million for good causes.
One in four people will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives, and Mind is aiming to make this World Mental Health Day one to remember by raising hundreds of thousands of pounds to help improve the lives of millions of people with mental health problems.
The half marathon also strikes a particular chord with mental health, as Mind has campaigned for a number of years on the benefits of 'green exercise' – that's any physical activity in a green outdoor space – for tackling mental health problems and improving everyone's mental wellbeing.
Previous research by Mind has found that a single walk in a country park significant reduces feelings of depression and improves mood in up to 90 per cent of people.The race, starting and finishing in Hyde Park, takes in four Royal Parks over 13.1 miles including St James' Park, Kensington Gardens and Green Park.
Mind Chief Executive Paul Farmer said: "The Royal Parks Half Marathon is the ultimate Londoner's event and we'd be delighted to get people from every part of London involved with Mind on this very special World Mental Health Day. We're aiming for 10 in every area but if we achieve more, we won't say no to the extra support.
"People run for Mind for all sorts of reasons, either to give something back to Mind for help they have received in the past, in memory of a loved one or because their live shave been touched by close friendships with those who experience mental distress. Whatever their reasons, all of our runners are heroes and I stand in awe of what our fundraisers achieve to help improve the lives of others.
The deadline for Mind entrants is 27 August 2010. For more information go to http://www.mind.org.uk