Guernsey Mind 10k reminder of the good done by running

MORE than 300 runners took part in yesterday’s 10km fun run organised by Guernsey Mind.

Alun Williams briefs the runners before the start of yesterday’s Guernsey Mind 10k, sponsored by Investec. (Pictures supplied by Andrew Le Poidevin)

All ages and abilities were on the starting line at the KGV, and the route took them on a loop northbound up to Rue Sauvage, down through the lanes to the coast road at Rousse, back along the coast road to Cobo, and then up the hill back to the starting point.

An informal running group called Thirty Thursday, organised by Nina Mattinson, left in the back row, used yesterday’s 10k as part of their training for the half marathon.

The event aimed to promote the link between physical and mental health, because running is said to be very good for the mind.

Maddy Diligent, the campaigns and events coordinator for Guernsey Mind, said it also raised much needed funds for the charity.

‘With the pandemic our therapy services have come under great pressure and we’ve launched a lot of new services, so all the money goes towards keeping those services going and increasing our services.

‘We are seeing growing demand, which is great, that’s never a negative thing because it means that more people are aware of their mental health and if they feel like they need support they’re coming to us.'

Stigma around mental health was also being broken down with people more willing to speak about the subject - which was exactly what was needed.

‘It should be spoken about as much as physical health, the two things go hand-in-hand and they should be spoken about to the same level.’

South Africans Irma Pretorious, left, and Joanna Jezewska-Oudhof were taking part for the first time. Joanna was running in memory of her father, Witold Jezewski.

Investec Bank sponsored the fun run so all entry fees and fundraising could go directly to the charity.

Instead of receiving single use medals at the finish, Guernsey Mind collaborated with Woodies coffee shop and the runners were given vouchers for free drinks.