The Running Charity

25 Runners, 10 first-time marathon runners, as well as Russ Cook, who caused a bit of a stir 😂 The power of our young people and team to inspire people to run is second to none. Thank you to all the young people for the hours of training, the support who turn out year after year and, of course, London Marathon Events for a truly unique event and opportunity.

So honoured to be part of The Running Charity 🧡

Wow, 10 years today The Running Charity became a registered charity, we tend not to look back as an organisation or a team, focused firmly on the young people, where they are going and how we can support them. But days like this are important to mark. As a charity we have pioneered and paved the way, demonstrating the power of running to reach in and raise up the lives of people that much of society and sport had turned their back on. There are so many people we need to thank but we wanted more than anything to thank the 1000s of young people who have put one foot in front of the other to be better than the hand they were dealt and build a better life for themselves. From the first group who designed it with us to those of you who are just starting their journey now, we are so proud to be with you by your side. Over the next year, we will be creating, crafting and celebrating this milestone with this beautiful community, stay tuned, stay running, and keep caring! If you want to be part of leading the run and transforming both the running community and those most in need of its transformative power, then get in touch.

Well, teammate of the month goes to..... Russ Cook features on The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett https://lnkd.in/ey_S_eJM

BACK IN THE BUILDING, 16000km + 352 days and 385 Marathons later, today we got to welcome Russ Cook back to our team. It felt like only yesterday (but also an age) since we last hugged him goodbye before he set off to run the entire length of Africa. Russ' challenge over the past year to support our work and inspire others has truly been humbling, but today was a day to reconnect and a chance to relax, be together and laugh. We can't wait to put in place all the incredible ideas and plans we have to support more young people.

Russ Cook is about to cross the ultimate finish line, capping off a year-long odyssey that's nothing short of epic. Over 352 days and 16,000km later, his journey's been a masterclass in grit and grind for all of us at The Running Charity, especially the young people we work with. 🔥 From day one, Russ's blend of unbreakable willpower, electric energy, and that signature grin 😁 has lit up this journey. His run has never been just about clocking miles—it was about sparking change, drawing attention to the causes, and empowering the next gen with the courage to chase their dreams. 🌍 Before this all started, Russ was the guy working with young people, helping them to conquer mountains and soak up the great outdoors, proving the game-changing impact of youth work on the move, a little fresh air and a lot of heart. 👟 Russ, your journey has been nothing short of legendary. You've shown us that running is more than a sport; it's a vehicle for change, a way to connect people, communities, and hearts. You've not just run the length of Africa; you've laid down a trail of hope, hustle and unity. 👏 Big up to everyone who's been riding with Russ on this journey. We've all been part of something massive—watching one bold idea ripple into mountains moved, deserts crossed, and a legion of runners inspired.

🌍 World Mental Health Day & World Homelessness Day 2023: Transforming Lives Through Running 🌍 Hello, wonderful community! 🌟 A bit of a throwback picture today! Lots of faces, many of whom were from our first ever programme over 11 years ago. 11 years is a long time and looking at these faces it enables us to reflect on the good work our coaches do, the work we have pioneered and the challenges we face to continue our work. Today is not just one, but TWO significant days closely aligned with The Running Charity's essence. We're honouring both World Mental Health Day and World Homelessness Day. 👟 Pioneering Transformation Since 2012 We're proud to say that we've been harnessing the power of running to improve young people's mental health and lives since 2012. We were the first of our kind in the UK to recognise the potential of this simple yet incredibly effective activity, alongside strength-based youth work to empower monumental changes in the lives of the most in need and facing the most complex challenges. 🌱 Psychologically and Trauma-Informed Approach Our methodology is about more than physical exercise. The Running Charity is the most radically inclusive running programme in the UK, not just in terms of ability but our skill in creating safe and inclusive spaces for people historically excluded. It is deeply rooted in a psychologically and trauma-informed approach, with lived experience at the heart of what we do. Our work has been proven to significantly impact young people's mental health, housing, and life outcomes. It's not just us saying this; even the NHS has supported our initiatives, and we were recognised by the European Union Commission for Sport for our inclusivity! 🌐 Pandemic and its Challenges The past years have been tough on everyone, particularly young people facing mental health issues and homelessness. Throughout the pandemic, we safely worked front line, ensuring young people were never left during the most chaotic times; since restrictions were lifted, our coaches have operated in even more challenging circumstances. The needs have grown; the challenges have intensified. 📈 The Numbers Speak In 2022, we experienced a 10% rise in the number of young people joining our programmes without any additional capacity. And incredibly, by August 2023, we had already matched those numbers. It's clear: the need is urgent, and we're doing our best to meet it. 🙏 Join Us, Support Us Your support, as always, is invaluable. Let's continue to change lives, one run at a time. If you feel your organisation could help us meet this need, then please get in touch! #WorldMentalHealthDay2023 #WorldHomelessnessDay2023 #TheRunningCharity #RunForChange #MentalHealthMatters #EndHomelessness