Mental Well-Being
Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month, observed every year in May, is a time to raise awareness and educate the public about mental health issues, share strategies to attain mental health, and counter the stigma around mental health challenges.
This year, NYRR will host various events that further our mission to help and inspire people through running. As the world’s premier community running organization, one of the most important ways we can do that is to provide opportunities and inspiration to positively impact our community's mental well-being through physical fitness.
Events in May
MAY 1: The Transformative Power of Running on Mental Well-being
Join NYRR and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) of New York City, on Wednesday, May 1 at 6:00 p.m. at the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub as we kick off Mental Health Awareness Month to raise awareness about the importance of mental well-being and the role of physical activity in supporting overall wellness. The panelists will highlight the mind-body connection and provide insight into how running and physical activity have transformed their lives and helped them cope, persevere, and thrive. Panelists will also discuss ways you can support those who may be struggling.
MAY 1 - 31: Make Your Miles Count, Anywhere in the World
Kick off Mental Health Awareness Month with the Virtual NYRR Mental Health Awareness Month Challenge. Open to all, it’s a celebration of running’s profound impact on mental well-being. Complete 31 total miles anywhere, anytime between May 1 and May 31.
MAY 2: Set the Pace Podcast Recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month
We dedicated an episode of Set the Pace, the official podcast of New York Road Runners, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. Peloton yoga instructor Mariana Fernandez shared her running journey and provided listeners with an exclusive guided meditation.
MAY 4: Race Day Meditations at the NYRR Mindful 5K
NYRR partnered with NAMI-NYC to provide a space for mindful meditation at the NYRR Mindful 5K. Runners were invited to visit a meditation tent before or after the race where pre-recorded guided meditations were streamed inside (also available for download). Peloton instructors conducted a short meditation on stage before the start to help runners prepare mentally for the race.
MAY 4: Bring the Kids to the Rising NYRR at the NYRR Mindful 5K
Participants aged 2 to 18 of all abilities participated in the Rising NYRR at the NYRR Mindful 5K on Saturday, May 4, at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens in celebration of running’s profound impact on mental well-being.
MAY 11: Open Run for an Open Mind in Highland Park, Brooklyn
Join us at NYRR Open Run in Highland Park on Saturday, May 11 at 9:00 a.m. where representatives from NAMI will talk about the impact of physical activity on mental well-being. Bring a friend or family member and experience the benefits of running with others in your local community. Our weekly Open Runs are free and welcome runners and walkers of all ages and abilities.
Mental Health Matters
Running can be a powerful tool for supporting mental health, and it is low risk, accessible, and widely accepted as a way to build mental stamina to do hard things. Studies from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that adults can lower their risk of depression by 18-20% simply by starting an exercise program like running or walking. The amount of activity needed is minimal – about two and a half hours of brisk walking or jogging per week.
Fireside Chat with Molly Seidel
On May 2, 2023, to kick off Mental Health Awareness Month, NYRR CEO Rob Simmelkjaer sat down with Olympian Molly Seidel at the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub to discuss her mental health challenges over the course of her career. Catch the highlights below or watch the Full Fireside Chat.
Resources
Free Mental Health Resources In NYC
One in five New Yorkers struggle with mental illness that can affect not only them but also family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors. For over 40 years, the National Alliance on Mental Illness of New York City (NAMI-NYC) has offered life-changing support, education, and advocacy to families and individuals affected by mental illness. NAMI-NYC offers mental health classes, 40 support and social groups, family mentoring, a Helpline in 180+ languages, and much more. All programs and services are completely free and available regardless of income, insurance, or immigration status. NAMI-NYC is the only nonprofit providing direct support to family members who have a loved one with mental illness. If you or someone you know is struggling, call their Helpline at 212-684-3264 or visit www.naminycmetro.org/find-support/.
NAMI-NYC Programs For:
You may also be interested in:
- NAMIWalks NYC + Mental Health Street Fest on Sunday, May 19
- NAMI-NYC Community Run, and 40 other support & social groups
Free Resources for Kids
While Rising New York Road Runners develops kids’ movement skills through running-based activities, it is just as important to teach kids how to calm their minds and bodies. The videos below guide kids through breathing exercises and light movement to help them return to a resting state or to take a moment to pause and reset.
Community Stories
RBC Brooklyn Half Runners Are Part of an Amazing Local Community
Two runners with strong ties to Brooklyn, like many others in the 26,000-runner field, have overcome challenges and drawn on community connections to be a part of this year’s race.
Jackie Quan: Running to Feel Alive and Strong
Jackie Quan started running NYRR races in 2020, after surgery and the death of her sister. For Jackie, running was a way out of pain and was there to preserve her mental health.
"I’m Proud of Myself for Continuing to Just Move in the Midst of a Horrible Tragedy"
In the spring of 2023, Olivia Witherite went from being a casual runner who occasionally ran races to deciding she would get serious about training for the 2023 RBC Brooklyn Half. She said she ran the race and “felt really great about what was next."
Molly Seidel Openly Shares Her Mental Health Challenges
Molly Seidel is an Olympic medalist and one of America's top distance runners. She has been transparent about her struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders.
Our Program Participants Share the Mental Health Benefits of Exercise
NYRR’s community programs bring free running and fitness opportunities to communities all over NYC.