Mind Over Miles

MIND OVER MILES – MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH 5K

Men’s mental health is a major public health issue in the UK. Mental health problems can affect anyone, but men often face extra barriers such as stigma, pressure to “cope” alone, and reluctance to seek professional help. NHS England states that around 1 in 4 adults experience at least one diagnosable mental health problem in any given year, meaning mental illness affects many millions of people across the UK.

For men specifically, recent NHS survey data for England found that 15.4% of men had a common mental health condition such as anxiety or depression in the past week, compared with 24.2% of women. Among adults aged 16 to 64, the proportion of males with a common mental health condition rose from 11.9% in 1993 to 17.3% in 2023/24, showing that men’s mental health difficulties have increased over time.

One of the most serious concerns is suicide. In England and Wales, 6,190 suicides were registered in 2024, and the male suicide rate was 17.6 deaths per 100,000, compared with 5.7 per 100,000 for females. The highest rate was among men aged 50 to 54. Samaritans also reports that men remain at much higher risk of suicide across the UK, with males in Scotland around three times as likely to die by suicide as females.

Overall, men’s mental health needs more attention because many men struggle silently and may not ask for help until they reach crisis point. Improving awareness, reducing stigma, encouraging open conversations, and making support easier to access can help men get support earlier. Men’s mental health is not a niche issue: it affects individuals, families, workplaces, and communities across the UK.

WHAT IS MIND OVER MILES?
The Running Bug is delighted to be partnering with Andy’s Man Club to bring our Mind Over Minds Virtual Race.

This challenge allows people of all ages to run, jog or walk 5k anytime during Men’s Mental Health Week (between the 14th until the 20th of June 2027).

The purpose of this challenge is to raise awareness for men’s mental health. It is about showing up for yourself, for the men in your life, and for those who may be struggling in silence. Every step taken during Mind Over Miles is a reminder that no one should have to face their mental health journey alone.

This is your race, your route, and your reason. Take part from anywhere, at any time during the event week, and choose a distance that feels right for you. You can complete it solo, with friends, as a team, or in memory or support of someone special.

Together, we can help break the stigma, start conversations, and show that strength is not about staying silent. Strength is speaking up, reaching out, and taking the next step.

WHAT YOU’LL RECEIVE
All participants will receive a beautiful premium medal to recognise your achievement and your support for men’s mental health.

A sense of achievement knowing that every step you took helped raise awareness, start conversations, and show support for men who may be struggling in silence.

SUPPORTING MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH
Everyone who signs up for the Mind Over Miles virtual race will also be helping support Andy’s Man Club with the important work they do.

The Running Bug are delighted to donate 10% of all entry fees to Andy’s Man Club.

In addition, we’ve setup a JustGiving fundraising page for anyone to donate separately. We encourage people to share this page so we can raise as much money as possible for such a great cause.

MIND OVER MILES JUSTGIVING PAGE
https://www.justgiving.com/page/running-bug-mindformiles5k?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL

SHARE YOUR SUCCESS
Mind Over Miles is more than a virtual race. It is a chance to bring people together, raise awareness, and show the real impact behind every mile.

We encourage you to share your story, your reason for taking part, your fundraising journey, and your success once you complete the challenge. Whether you are running in memory of someone, supporting a loved one, improving your own mental health, or simply helping to start important conversations, your story could inspire someone else to speak up, reach out, or keep going.

Share your progress, photos, achievements, and fundraising updates online, and help us spread the message that men’s mental health matters. Every post, every donation, and every mile helps break the stigma and reminds others that they are not alone.

Together, we can turn miles into meaning and stories into strength.

👉 Tag us and Andy’s Man Club on social media

THE RUNNING BUG
📸 Instagram: @TheRunningBug
👍 Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/therunningbug1/
🏃 Strava Club: Join our community

ANDY'S MAN CLUB
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andysmanclub/
X: @andysmanclubuk
Instagram: @andysmanclubuk

Use the hashtag:
#MindOverMiles
What Happens After The Challenge?

Simply submit your evidence at
https://the-running-bug.com/submit-your-evidence/

🌍 Why Choose The Running Bug?

With years of experience delivering fun and flexible race experiences, The Running Bug has become one of the UK’s favourite virtual running platforms.

Here’s why thousands of runners love taking part:

⏰ Run on Your Schedule
Complete your challenge at a time that suits you. No strict start times, no travel required.

🗺 Choose Your Own Course
Hit your local trails, explore your neighbourhood, head to the park, or use the treadmill — it’s completely up to you.

💷 Cost-Effective
No travel, no accommodation — just a simple entry and a fantastic medal at the finish.

🎯 Personalised Experience
Select your distance, set your own pace, and complete the challenge in a way that fits your lifestyle.

🌟 Benefits of a Virtual Challenge

Virtual challenges offer unmatched flexibility and convenience, making them ideal for modern runners and walkers balancing busy lives.