In the lead-up to the event, we also asked our members to anonymously share their answer to the question 'Why Do You Run?' These amazing responses show just how strong the link can be between running and good mental health. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences:

I love running because it completely clears my head, making me feel happier and a much nicer person to be around. But the best part though is my Run club- it’s brought a community of wonderful friends into my life.

Running is the part of the week that’s really ‘mine’ - with no disruption from children, family or work. It helps me to clear my thoughts and can often help me find a more peaceful perspective on life’s problems- big and small. I always come back feeling fresher and a better person!

I didn’t really start running regularly until after having my first child. I suffered with crippling postpartum anxiety and had frequent panic attacks. There were some very dark moments during that period. During a particularly bad episode, in desperation to escape the feeling, I put on some trainers and ran out of the house. I vividly remember it literally feeling like I was running to escape my feelings. I didn’t go far, but I could feel something shift in me. It wasn’t an instant cure, but I came back feeling lighter and more in control. That was the start of a habit that has helped me ever since. When I run, it is a shift out of my head and into my body. My heart is pumping not from anxiety but from working hard. The after-effects are like a natural anti-depressant. Running is the ultimate mindfulness - one foot in front of the other, absorbing nature, the play of light, the feel of the elements. Solo, my mind can wander and either work through problems or listen to some great tunes. With others, it’s a chance to get things off my chest, have a laugh and fill my ‘emotional cup’. I could go on… If anyone is struggling with motivation, I’d say, sometimes the things you least feel like doing is the thing you most need to do.

Getting to spend 30-60 mins chatting to an amazing bunch of like minded people. It’s good for the soul and should be on prescription 😊

I run for my mental health. It plays such a pivotal part in my life now that I genuinely have no idea how I managed without it.

I run to escape. To process things in my head. To have time where it’s just me, my thoughts and the road. I run to let out the frustrations, stresses and negative emotions that build up during the day, and I run because of how it makes me feel afterwards.

I run because I can — and I never want to take that for granted. Being able to put one foot in front of the other, to get outside and move my body, is a privilege.

And I run because I’m part of the best running club in the world. 💚🦁❤️ A club that has genuinely changed my life. They believed in me before I believed in myself, and somewhere along the way, I started believing in myself too. So, ultimately, I run because I can. And because running has given me so much more than miles. ❤️

Initially to give me head space in the dark, wet nights and during Lockdown. This has led to great friendships, challenges and adventures. Most importantly it is social and fun. Running is now an integral part of my life. 🤩

The places I’ve gone. The experiences I’ve had. The mind resets. The deep satisfaction and contentment . The battles against yourself you sometimes win and sometimes lose. The medals. The merch. The sheer amount of shoes. The advice. The long training build. The physical health. The challenges. The Kudos. THE PEOPLE.

I owe running a lot…

I run because as a busy Mum it is time for me, time for decompression and a chance to have just a little bit of a mindful moment or two. I run with the club because of the lovely people, the supportive attitude and the confidence it gives me.

I started running as a way to start looking after myself. At the time, I was struggling with awful anxiety and panic attacks, and often felt like I was going mad. I now understand that I was experiencing perimenopause, although I didn’t realise it at the time. Running became my way of finding some headspace, lifting my mood and having time just for me. It wasn’t easy at the beginning, and it can still be tough, but with the support and encouragement of the club, I’ve achieved things I never would have thought possible. Running has given me so much more than just fitness. It’s given me confidence in myself, helped me realise what I’m capable of, and introduced me to a circle of friends who I know will be friends for life.

I run to keep fit mainly. I like getting outdoors as much as possible as I mainly work from home. I tend to be a social runner as I like to run longer distances with others rather than alone. I like the banter of the SR group and there is always someone up for a run. I run also because I hope it keeps the doctor at bay and to promote better mental wellbeing. If I am stressed it helps to relive my stress. I can talk to others so I often get a therapy fix too when I run with the group, knowing people are there to listen and support.

I always feel better after a run, it clears my head, relieves tension and makes problems seem smaller.

Running is not a constant sort of thing, some days you have good runs, and some days you don't. Its important to realise on the days when it's not so good, how you feel after the run - as you rarely regret a run - even if at the time it's definitely type 2 fun. Being active is so good for your whole self, and being able to make such good friends whilst doing it is fantastic 🫶

Fitness. Freedom. Be a role model. KEEP PROVING THEM WRONG.

After my recent cancer diagnosis and treatment it would have been very easy to hide myself away. Running is helping me recover both physically and mentally. Exercise is scientifically proven to reduce the chance of recurrence.

We even got a few celebrities to share their thoughts with us...