Running Towards Wellness: How Running Has Impacted My Mental Health

“On! On!” fellow runners cheered painfully as we neared the 21-kilometer mark during the Tuskerlite Mt. Rwenzori Marathon 2024 in Kasese, Uganda.

Where else do we encounter such supportive strangers, set goals together, and push one another to achieve them? Running does that.

Running has taught me it’s not just about my individual journey but about the collective effort of everyone who takes on a distance. It’s a shared experience, whether we’re running to shed pounds or simply to finish the race.

Earlier this year, through Akiiki Holidays, we started monthly runs from Kasese to Kilembe, covering approximately 11 kilometers. During these runs, I noticed how deeply everyone cared about the person behind them. It wasn’t just about reaching the destination; it was about making sure everyone made it to Kilembe, no matter what.

Now, ask yourself: Do your colleagues at work show this same level of concern? Are they there to help you when you struggle with your daily tasks?

The connection between running and mental well-being is undeniable, supported by countless psychological benefits. For me, it has become a space where I set personal goals distance, time and these challenges have built my self-confidence and strengthened my inner dialogue. Running has become a meeting point between me and myself.

Then there’s the social connection. During the Kasese-Kilembe runs, we started as a group of over ten runners and have since become friends like family. Antony Agaba, a friend I met through these runs, is someone I’ve shared countless miles with, and we plan to run many more together.

Running has had a profound impact on my mental health, serving as a natural antidote to anxiety, depression, and stress. It has worked for me, and I believe it can work for you too.

More than just a physical exercise, running builds endurance and encourages mindfulness, allowing you to focus on the present and let go of your worries.

If you’re battling something in your life, lace up your shoes, hit the pavement, and start running toward a healthier, happier you!