England Athletics #RunAndTalk is BACK this week for 2024!

The much awaited #RunAndTalk Week in partnership with Mind is back for 2024. This year #RunAndTalk week will take place from Monday 28 October to Sunday 3 November.

27 October sees the changing of the clocks, and as the darker mornings and evenings approach we want to blow those winter blues away and join running friends in getting outside and keeping active. October also marks World Mental Health Day, a perfect opportunity to take stock and check in on yourself and your own mental health – and what better way to do it than together!

What is #RunAndTalk?

#RunAndTalk is an England Athletics programme, supported by Mind, which was created with the aim of improving mental health through running in England.

During #RunAndTalk Week affiliated clubs, RunTogether groups, schools, universities, and other organisations are encouraged to host a #RunAndTalk run.

Instead of striving for extra mileage or quick speeds, the focus of the run is to enable runners to talk. Whether chatting about their mental health journey or about what they’re having for dinner, it is all about breaking down the mental health stigma and giving people the platform to talk in a safe environment with a listening ear.

How can you take part?

This year we have made it even easier than ever before to take part in #RunAndTalk!

  • Incorporate a #RunAndTalk run into your club’s usual weekly schedule. It’s a great idea to encourage runners to take it a little steadier and chat to someone new! The fantastic thing about #RunAndTalk week is you don’t need to adjust what you already have planned if you don’t wish to.
  • Host a dedicated #RunAndTalk session. Why not advertise your new #RunAndTalk session in the local community?
  • Do you have a Sunday long run programmed in for the week? That is perfect! Help those miles tick away with friendly faces and conversation – it may help a fellow runner in more ways than increasing their endurance, you may have one interaction which could turn their whole week around.
  • It doesn’t have to be a run! Whether you want to walk and talk or just head for a coffee with your running pals, the main thing is you are getting together and enabling people to connect with others.

With #RunAndTalk Week, we are passionate about enabling all people to get involved, not just keep it a secret within our fantastic network of affiliated clubs and RunTogether groups but to open to local communities across England. We’re encouraging you to open your doors and welcome new runners to not only break down the mental health stigma, but to also spread the positive message around running together.

Not sure where to start?

Are you a club or group?

We have useful guides to support you with all things organisation! These include information on how to host your own run, some logistical support as well as top tips for promoting your run in your local area.

Are you a runner?

If you are a runner who wants to get involved, that is fantastic! You can search for your closest club or RunTogether group on our website. You can also search for your local Mental Health Champion to check in on any upcoming #RunAndTalk sessions. Not one in your local area? Don’t worry, why not organise your own! You don’t need to be part of a club to celebrate good mental health, so how about setting up a dedicated run in your place of work or with friends? Take a look at our advice on the links above.

Keeping connected!

If you are hosting your own run, we would love to see it and share! Make sure you tag in England Athletics or RunTogether, and also use #RunAndTalk so we can see.

Check out the England Athletics RIA Alliance Partner profile here  . 


*Photo credit: England Athletics