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Keeping fit makes you mentally sharp – and increases your feelings of well-being, so Guernsey Mind and BWCI are inviting you to get on your running shoes to take part in their annual fun run.
Mind Chairman John Curran says he is hoping this year’s event that takes place on Sunday 11 September at the KGV will attract the largest entry yet and raise awareness about mental health issues too. The organisers have also decided to open the event up to people who would prefer to walk around the course to attract more entrants, including children, who would not feel able to run 10K.
Mr Curran said: "Last year’s BWCI Mind 10K run was a great success and we want to build on that and again highlight the role being physically active can play in helping to maintain positive mental health.
"Whilst the focus of the run is to include all abilities of runners, and walkers, from those taking their first steps to those using a 10K as a training run for a longer event; we would like to introduce a little friendly corporate competition into the event this year, by encouraging organisations to enter teams. The aim is to promote awareness of mental health well-being in the community and the workplace and break down barriers to communicate good mental health practice."
Michelle Galpin, a partner at BWCI Group said: "We first supported this event two years ago, when Mind was nominated by our staff vote to be the principal focus of BWCI’s charitable activities during 2014. We also supported last year’s run, which saw over 200 people take part. We hope that even more people will participate this year, whether they wish to run, jog or walk.
"With well over 100 staff, we recognise that promoting positive mental health is really important to foster a culture of support and inclusion, particularly in the workplace. The benefits of exercise in maintaining a mentally healthy lifestyle are regularly documented and we encourage our staff to get involved in physical activity, to help them stay well. In addition to supporting the run again this year, both through sponsorship and practical support, the BWCI Foundation will be matching the sponsorship raised by our staff team."
Emily Litten, Executive Director of Guernsey said: "I aim to walk with my children aged seven and nine as it is a good introduction to building resilience and they will love the challenge. We have seen from the recent World Aid Walk children do enjoy these sort of events."
President of GIAAC Alun Williams, who is helping coordinate the run for the GIAAC, says: "We are very pleased to build upon last year’s 10K run. A quality 10K event in late summer is an essential part of our calendar and will give runners of all standards a target for training in July and August. We are especially pleased to support Mind again this year. There is a very clear link between exercise and positive mental health. Athletes will be aware of that every time that they run as it is such a rapid and effective way of relieving stress. We’re pleased to be able to assist Guernsey Mind with its efforts."
Ian Le Moigne, Guernsey Mind’s Marketing and Events coordinator said: "As a runner myself, I have always felt that regular exercise and activity help me feeling fit and mentally sharp, so it will be great to see so many like-minded people on the start line in September."
Ian joined the charity earlier this year and his role is to promote awareness projects and organise events for Guernsey Mind on-island using his previous experience in marketing and PR.
