Motivation

Mental Health Awareness Week: the Power of parkrun with INTRSPCT Collective

Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 runs from 13th to 19th May and this year’s theme is movement. The benefit of movement on our mental health has been well documented: the mood boost due to the release of endorphins during exercise; the positive impact movement has on our body image; the social aspect that exercising as part of a group can offer; to name a just a few.

parkrun offers free 5k events every Saturday at over 1,200 locations across the UK and provides the perfect opportunity to move for our mental health. You can run, jog, walk or volunteer, everyone is welcome at parkrun. A study conducted by Sheffield Hallam University highlights the benefits of parkrun on mental health: after taking part in parkrun 73% of respondents to their survey said that their mental health had improved and 84% of parkrun volunteers reported an increase in their happiness. 

We were proud to support INTRSPCT Collective, a Manchester based men’s mental health running and hiking community, as the group took part in their first parkrun. INTRSPCT Collective was founded by P.E. teacher, Ransford, after he experienced the impact physical activity had on his own mental health. The aim of the group is to improve the mental health and wellbeing of men within the community by promoting regular movement, whilst building authentic connections with other men around them. The ultimate goal is to try and reduce the high rates of suicide and depression in the male community. 

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We felt that INTRSPCT’s motto ‘you belong here, at your own pace’ encapsulates everything parkrun is about. parkrun provides the community with a safe environment to move in a way that suits every individual. We chatted to INTRSPCT Community as they reflected on their first parkrun as a group: 

Tom

I never thought I’d do a parkrun, to be honest. For me, running has always been a private and personal activity. When working long hours from home, it was a chance to go collect my thoughts; during the pandemic it was both a means to get fit and a chance to go outside. Either way, it was something I did on my own. Colleagues and friends have tried to get me to come to a parkrun for the best part of a decade and every time I’ve made an excuse, self-conscious about my pace and nervous about running with others. Running and walking with INTRSPCT has helped to change that, and parkrun epitomised everything the group is about. Not only did I get the chance to run with a great group of lads, but all around the course people were filled with enthusiasm and positivity, shouting encouragement and praise to everyone who ran by. It was a welcoming experience, and one I will certainly repeat in the future.

Dan C

My first official parkrun and I was amazed to see the amount of runners attending at this time, on a Saturday morning. It was inspiring! The run itself was enjoyable and the Brooks Ghost 14 were great. I will definitely be joining more parkruns in the future, for sure!

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Gaz

It was brilliant. The whole vibe from start to finish. Being able to run with others and really enjoy it. It was very welcoming and had that feeling of belonging. I will definitely be attending again.

Dan G

First 5k since rupturing my calf, I really enjoyed the parkrun! Whenever we get together as a group I feel like I could run through walls with the lads!

Ato

I wouldn’t really call myself a runner so this was a good challenge for me. Being in a setting where there was such a diversity of people and abilities made the whole event really enjoyable. The encouragement and kindness from people I had never met before made it feel like more than just a run. Overall a really positive experience for me.

Elliott

The parkrun was not only my first experience of a parkrun but also my first experience of a 5k. I found the experience to be amazing, the volunteers were so supportive and the event itself well run. I was slightly apprehensive before the run as it was my first distance run but once I got going the support from my friends and the volunteers motivated me to complete the run and the sense of accomplishment afterwards was fantastic.

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Ciaran

Having done parkrun on and off for a while, it’s much easier to stick to with a positive group of people. Since going down more frequently, the whole vibe of the morning is a great start to the weekend and something I now look forward to on a weekly basis

Scott

Last Saturday, I was one of a few lads that took part in our first parkrun at Heaton Park, Middleton. I am proud to be a part of the INTRSPCT COLLECTIVE TRIBE that has been put together for men to come together and feel both connected and supported through physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Last week's parkrun was a resounding success, bringing even more new members from all different backgrounds eager to champion the cause. The atmosphere was fantastic and full of encouragement as people of various ages and fitness levels embarked on a 5k journey through the scenic trail. Stories and laughter filled the time before we started as well as catching up with some old friends on the course, emphasising the importance of physical activity in nurturing mental health. This event served as a motivational start I needed whilst having the opportunity to talk and listen to others, fostering a supportive community committed to holistic wellness. As participants crossed the finish line, smiles were abundant, highlighting the positive impact of exercise on our own mental  wellbeing. The first parkrun was not just a run—it was a celebration of resilience, unity, and the power of the community in promoting men's mental health. Some of us that finished made our way back around the course to encourage those who were still out there. It was a fantastic morning and I look forward to doing it all again soon.

Every year, 1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem.

If that’s you, it can be hard to know where to turn. But Mind are here to help.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, you’ll find tips, advice and support on Mind’s website and through their online community, Side by Side.

You can also speak to someone via their helplines or at a local Mind.

mind.org.uk/no-mind-left-behind 

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Are you feeling inspired? Then join our SportsShoes Strava Run Club and become part of our inclusive community.
And for more inspirational tips to become stronger, better and happier, then check out our Motivation category. Because it’s no fun standing still.