How to join the Nedbank Running Club improving mental health in SA

So you want to join a running club? Maybe you want to get active? Find your running tribe? Or are you doing something that improves your mental health? We would like to introduce you to Nedbank Runified.

Nedbank and the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) are running for better mental wellbeing in South Africa. Here’s everything you need to know:

What’s happening?

Every day in August and September, Nedbank Runified, Africa’s largest virtual mass participation race, will challenge South Africans across the country to run in support groups to promote better mental well-being.

Nedbank Runified group runs are led by athletes, mental health advocates and running enthusiasts such as Amy Hopkins, Caley Jack, Cuan Walker, Graeme Richards, Masibulele Mkhundlu, Nicola Schreuder, Nombulelo Mgabadeli, Tumi Sole and Zinhle Masango. They will take place between August and September 2022 in Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban with at least one run per day. Anyone can participate, and these group runs will be followed by a nationwide Strava Challenge with mass participation during Mental Health Month in October.

What is Nedbank Runified?

Originally launched as a proactive response to combat the societal impact of Covid-19, Nedbank Runified was a movement to instill a sense of ‘togetherness’ when South Africans were forced to be apart, with running serving as a catalyst. With over nine million kilometers run by more than 225,000 participants, the Nedbank Runified virtual series has become a source of mental relief for many South Africans during the national lockdowns.

“As the nation moves on from national lockdowns, there is a natural evolution and new meaning for Nedbank Runified, one that serves to bring South Africans together to address mental health, a serious health issue impacting society” , says Nthabiseng Matshekga, Executive Head for Group Marketing at Nedbank.

“The mental health crisis existed well before the Covid-19 pandemic but has intensified during the lockdown. Currently, mental health in South Africa is among the worst in the world, with one in three South Africans struggling with their mental health,” said Cassey Chambers, Operations Director at SADAG. “It has been scientifically proven that exercise, especially running, improves mental health and reduces depression, stress and anxiety. As we approach Mental Health Month in October, we are delighted to be partnering with Nedbank through Nedbank Runified to raise awareness and advance education on this topic.’

Why run for mental health?

Now in its third edition, Nedbank Runified will combine virtual and physical running challenges to center around a very real issue in our country – mental health. This running challenge in partnership with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) aims to show that running (especially in groups) can reduce stress, depression and anxiety.

“Nedbank has been involved in running for decades and we are proud to use the Nedbank Running Club in conjunction with relevant partnerships as a vehicle to make a lasting impact in the communities we serve. SADAG’s expertise is dedicated to helping people across South Africa with their mental health and is an invaluable part of our community. We are proud to work with them to advance the movement for better mental health,” says Matshekga.

How can you participate?

To find out how you can join Nedbank Runified in your city, join the Nedbank Running Club on Strava or search #NedbankRunified or #MoreThanAClub on social media.

More than a club, Nedbank Running Club welcomes runners of all fitness levels to unite through running. It’s time to take care of mental health and take the first step towards a happier, healthier South Africa.

How does WH get involved?

Here at Women’s Health, we believe that health encompasses every element of your life. It is precisely for this reason that we strive to provide our readers with all the resources they need for their wellness journeys. whether in the gym, on the yoga mat, in the kitchen, with a diary in hand or on the go.

We’ll be featuring Women’s Health Cover star Caley Jack and Nombulelo Mgabadeli in May/June as they take on Nedbank Runified. We even take part in the runs around South Africa. Follow us on Instagram (@womenshealthmagsa).

Staying active for your mental well-being? Visit here and let us know if the Runified runs have helped your mental health and if you have a chance to win a Nedbank Running Club basket.

*When you or your loved ones are struggling with mental health issues, there is hope. Visit sadag.org or call 0800 567 567 in an emergency.

*In partnership with Nedbank