[Mo]re Than 300 Run Clubs Set To Unite Once Again For Movember

Having already fundraised $2 million across the past three Movembers, [mo]re than a run (powered by lululemon) returns this weekend to continue its campaign of making a positive impact.

Thousands of participants hailing from our sunburnt nation, New Zealand, the UK, Canada, and even Hong Kong, are set to raise awareness for men’s mental health and suicide prevention by tackling three distances.

The concept grew from a simple idea — imagine what a united running community could achieve if they rallied behind a single cause. Two blokes from Sydney, Alex Bell and Olly Woolrych, decided to test their thesis and take meaningful action.

“Run clubs play a significant role in people’s lives, for both physical and mental health,” said Woolrych.

“However, they don’t often come together unless they’re racing, each determined to outpace the other to the finish. We wanted to change that.”

Alex and Olly saw Movember as an opportunity for the running community to band together for a race that isn’t about speed or distance — but impact. In just a few short years, [mo]re than a run has snowballed into a formidable force in the mental health awareness and suicide prevention space.

“The community’s strength is evident in the conversations we’ve started, the bonds we’ve formed, and the funds we’ve raised for Movember,” said Bell.

This Saturday, no matter where participating runners are lacing up — be it a rural town or a bustling city — they’ll be taking on one of the following distances (each signifying a different statistic):

• Movember 10 kilometres
  For the one in ten men worldwide living with an anxiety disorder.
• Movember 30 kilometres
  For the 30% rise in the number of Australian men dying by suicide over the last decade.
  For more than 30% of New Zealanders who have personally experienced mental distress.
• Movember 60 kilometres
  For the 60 men we lose to suicide each hour, every hour, around the world.

Bell added: “This campaign is owned by every runner who takes part in [mo]re than a run. It is built from the ground up, from the enthusiasm of community runners and run clubs who come together to enjoy the event, foster connections, and raise funds for a vital cause.”

“When combined as a unified community, we will achieve something incredible together and truly make an impact.”

[mo]re than a run is not just about running; it’s about running for something bigger. A race we can all win, simply by showing up. For more details, hit the link below. Run club leaders can also get in touch with Alex and Olly directly via Instagram at @more_than_a_run.

If you or anyone you know is anxious, depressed, or considering self-harm, or suicide, there are people who want to help. Reach out here or call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Don’t forget to check on your mates.