Miles That Matter | How Running Groups Improve Mental Health

Launching a Movement in Lincoln

Four friends in Lincoln turned a personal tragedy into a local movement to change how men talk about mental health. Bradley Hardy, Eimard Legaspi, Radek Kogut, and Jacob Lidgett established the running group Miles That Matter in March. This group serves as a tribute to their late friend, Jake, who died by suicide late last year. The founders chose running because the activity was central to their friendship with him. They fund the operation themselves, hosting weekly sessions that provide a structured environment for exercise and conversation.

Sessions take place every Wednesday evening at the Yarborough Leisure Centre Track. The group also organizes a social run each Sunday at various coffee shops throughout Lincoln. The founders emphasize that they didn't want to create a formal therapy session. Instead, they aimed to build a space where physical activity naturally leads to open dialogue. By keeping the barrier to entry low, they have created an environment where people feel comfortable showing up even when they struggle to express their internal state.

Challenging Social Norms

Men often face high pressure to remain stoic during difficult periods. Jacob Lidgett, 26, notes that this expectation leads many to suppress their feelings until they reach a breaking point. The group actively tries to counter the idea that men must always be okay. Bradley Hardy, 27, says that the group allows him to support his peers in ways that didn't happen before they started the club. It turns out that shared physical exertion provides the right backdrop for honesty.

Attendance at these sessions fluctuates between 20 and 50 participants. The feedback from members suggests that the routine provides immediate relief. Hardy recalls one attendee who arrived in distress but felt noticeably better after the run. Radek Kogut notes that the act of simply showing up is often just as important as the conversation itself. The participants find that physical activity provides a necessary distraction from workplace stress and personal anxiety.

Expanding the Community

While the original intent focused on men, the group is now open to anyone. Regulars like emergency nurse Amber Roberts and wedding singer Xanthe Legaspi report significant benefits from attending. Xanthe Legaspi explains that the motion of running makes difficult topics feel less daunting. The environment removes the pressure of a face-to-face sit-down conversation, allowing for more fluid interactions while people work out.

Members like Elliot Shearwood and Tommy Johnson frequently attend to clear their heads after long workdays. They find the camaraderie essential. Running alone is a solitary, often lonely experience, but the group dynamic changes the nature of the exercise. The organizers plan to continue these sessions indefinitely. They encourage those who are struggling to find a local group to join, noting that the community impact is visible and immediate. The broader trend of using exercise as a social outlet for mental health remains a growing area of interest for local wellness advocates across the UK.