Running in York so men can talk

York local Des has done the York 10K every year since it started, way back in 2009 – he even did it virtually in 2020. “I like that this event is in York, it’s a beautiful city.” Usually, Des runs for Macmillan, but this year, he decided to do something different. He rallied his friends from the Menfulness community, and now more than 30 of them are running together to fundraise and increase awareness for men’s mental health in York.

Menfulness is an organisation which was started by friends Jack, Mike, and Dan after noticing the rising rate of male suicide in York. They decided they needed to take action to create opportunities for men to get active, talk to each other, and form healthy connections. 

Jack, Mike, and Dan were joined by trustees Matty and Sam, and the five of them now work tirelessly to improve men’s mental health outcomes in York. They have just got registered charity status, and are feeling excited about what this means for their future.

The team put on a wide range of social events, from games nights to social football to gardening at their allotment in Haxby. Their website explains: “We bring men together to socialise, exercise, enjoy themselves, talk and let off steam in a non-judging, friendly and supportive environment. These are all essential for wellbeing and health, both physical and mental.”

One of their most popular social groups is their running club. When Des, who runs with them and also coaches the Menfulness football group, suggested to the runners that they all take on the York 10K to raise money. The idea went down very well. More than 30 of them were quick to sign up. 

Des says, “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be able to get 30+ blokes to run it all together, all as a team…some have never run a 10K before, and some have never run more than one or two miles, but they’re all coming together for this.” He points out that “it is a team effort from all to make Menfulness work” and he loves seeing everyone come together to fundraise and support each other.

David Long is one of the Team Menfulness runners looking forward to the York 10K. He says, “It’s a great opportunity to do something to give back to the community and make a difference to such an important cause.”

All the money raised will be used to provide free and low cost counselling for men through the York-based organisation Serendipity, who is one of their partners. You can learn more about Menfulness on their website here, or head to their JustGiving page to learn more about their charity run. See you at the start line, guys!