Locals challenged to run for good mental health
SADAG and Nedbank Runified lead groups runs to raise awareness about mental health.
Every day during August and September, Nedbank Runified will challenge South Africans around the country to run in support groups to encourage better mental well-being.
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Now in its third instalment, Nedbank Runified will combine virtual and physical running challenges to rally around a very real issue in our country – mental health.
This running challenge, in partnership with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), aims to demonstrate that running can reduce stress, depression and anxiety.
Originally launched as a proactive response to fight the societal effects of Covid-19, Nedbank Runified was a movement to instil a sense of ‘togetherness’ when South Africans were forced to be apart, with running as the catalyst.
With over nine million kilometres run by more than 225 000 participants, the virtual series became a source of mental relief for many South Africans during lockdown.
“As the nation moves on post the national lockdowns, there is a natural evolution and a new meaning to Nedbank Runified, one which serves to bring South Africans together to address mental health, a serious healthcare issue that is impacting society,” says Nthabiseng Matshekga, Executive Head for Group Marketing at Nedbank.
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Runified group runs, led by athletes, mental health advocates and running enthusiasts like Zinhle Masango, Amy Hopkins, Nicola Schreuder, Nombulelo Mgabadeli and Tumi Sole, will take place in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban with at least one run every day between August and September.
Anyone can participate and these group runs will be followed by a national mass participation Strava challenge during Mental Health Month in October.
“It is scientifically proven that exercise, particularly running, improves mental health and reduces depression, stress and anxiety.
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“As we approach Mental Health Month in October, we are immensely excited to partner with Nedbank through Nedbank Runified to raise awareness and drive education on this issue,” says Cassey Chambers, Operations Director at SADAG.
To find out how you can join Nedbank Runified in your city, join the Nedbank Running Club on Strava or search #NedbankRunified on social media.
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