On top of improving your physical health, running can do amazing things for our mental well-being too. And when we run together, those benefits begin to snowball.  

Running can have incredible effects on our self-esteem, increasing self-confidence and reducing anxiety. But sometimes, stepping outside for your first run can be daunting, and that’s why we’d like to explore the power of running together for this year’s World Mental Health Day – because when you find your pack, you become even more unstoppable.     

When you run with a buddy or group, you’ll instantly motivate each other to push harder or go further. Similarly, there’s no harm in having a bit of healthy competition! And when you’re not feeling it, if you know someone is counting on you to show up, it can be easier to hold yourself accountable and get out the door. 

Likewise, a more experienced running buddy may help your running form, pace, and technique. The Runners Need run club is great for this. With a whole mixture of runners of different levels and backgrounds plus a qualified run leader, you’ll get the encouragement and constructive criticism you need to help you improve your performance.

But why is running together better for your mental health? As well as sticking to training plans and staying motivated, running with others is a powerful tool because it gives you an opportunity to talk to someone when you’re going through a tough time, or just need some company. Here's four ways running together can improve your well-being.

When you run with a friend or club, you can feel more connected and less isolated, which can be beneficial for your mental health. Sharing a common activity and spending time together can provide a sense of camaraderie and support, which can be especially important during challenging times. 

Running with others is a great way to relieve stress. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood-boosters. Having someone to talk to can also provide an additional source of stress relief and emotional support. 

Running with a buddy can also help you practice mindfulness and be more present in the moment. By focusing on your breath, your body, and your surroundings, you can develop a greater sense of awareness and connection with the world around you. 

Running for a charity can provide a sense of purpose, help you set and achieve goals, as well as improve your physical and mental health. Plus, you’ll gain opportunities to connect and run with like-minded people. 

With all this in mind, where do you begin to find a running buddy? Luckily, there are lots of runners everywhere, you just need to know where to find them. Here’s our top tips for finding your pack. 

Look for local running groups in your area, which you can find on social media. These groups often have organised runs and events, making it easy to find more people like you.

Join our free weekly club where you’ll be joined by a diverse mix of people who share your passion. Plus, be led by a qualified leader to help you every step of the way.

Try and get a friend or family member to join you! If they’re not already runners, you might even be the person that introduces them to an activity they end up loving.

We hope this article inspired you to get out and find your pack! The running community is an inspiring and supportive group of individuals who share a passion for running. Beginner or not, you’ll create the best memories and have plenty of fun. And, if you can't find a running club near you, you can still receive encouragement from fellow runners by joining a virtual club.

Virtual running clubs such as Strava can help to boost motivation and self-esteem. Run, jog, walk and cycle with fellow runners across the world and celebrate your achievements together. 

Join the Runners Need Strava Run Club today. 

We don’t recommend running as a single treatment for mental health. If you’re struggling, you can find support and useful resources here.