A new type of running club, Joy Runs, is helping people to unlock the mental health benefits of being outdoors this World Mental Health Day (10th October).
Joy Runs is a twist on the traditional running club, swapping speed for more soulful runs.
Every week a fun new theme is revealed (e.g. ‘Water’, ‘Rewards’, ‘Leaves’) on the Joy Runs website and runners of all abilities are invited to run with that in mind, sharing a picture on social media.
The community then have all week to run it, entirely on their own terms. It is 100% free to take part in.
In turn, participants form a deeper appreciation of the different seasons and the little things in life, proving that running can be kind on both the body and mind.
Launched this summer, the concept has quickly taken off. Runners report the extra motivation to be active, increased feelings of gratitude and wonder, and the enjoyment of seeing where a new theme takes them.
With study after study showing that just 10 minutes of moderate-intensity running can help your brain regulate stress, Joy Runs is the perfect tonic for tough times.
It was set up by Stuart Goulden as a way of helping more people to experience the life-enriching benefits of running. He said: “This is a fun way to mix up your exercise and see the world around you with new eyes.
“I’m loving seeing the many different interpretations of each theme. Runners new and old are clearly squeezing more fun out of their exercise and everyday lives. In doing so they’re learning to rediscover a healthy lifestyle, themselves, and their local area in a fun way.
“On a personal note, running has given me so much over the years and Joy Runs is my way of paying that forward.”
A new weekly theme is posted every Monday on the Joy Runs website.