Marks, Set, Go for 10k runs

Men and women now have an equal chance to run in a 10 k race for fun or to raise money for charity. The Ignis Asset Management Women’s event will start and finish at Bellahouston Park on Sunday May 10. And the Men’s Health Forum Scotland (MHFS) 10k will take place on Fathers’ Day on Sunday 21 June from Bellahouston. Anyone keen to run in either event can get plenty of advice from the respective websites. www.runglasgow.org and www.alzscot.org 

The aim of the Men’s Health Forum Scotland, is to help men be all they can be and find new perspectives on masculinity for themselves and for society. This is the only men-only 10K in the UK and last year it attracted 5000 entrants. The participants are encouraged to sign up in group or teams from the same workplace. Organisers hope to attract 5000 entrants.  Last year saw more than 3000 men aged from 15 to 80 of all abilities from throughout Scotland take the challenge. Mark Ward, national co-ordinator for the Men’s Health Forum Scotland, said: ‘Many men spend long hours at work, and are often largely inactive for long periods of time. Financial concerns, job security fears and increased working hours are also contributing to increased levels of stress in the workplace.

‘Exercise is the ideal solution to tackling stress as well as improving overall fitness and health.  Encouraging people to exercise with colleagues and workmates as part of a workplace team can help to improve motivation and teamwork. ‘We want to encourage Scottish men to take more responsibility for their health and wellbeing.  Getting employers involved in promoting this message takes us a step closer to our goal.’

Both the men’s and the women’s 10K raise thousands of pounds for charities. Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres is one of the major charities which benefit from the fundraising of runners. The Centres support people and their families through cancer in a multitude of practical and emotional ways. For more information on Maggie’s Centres and to visit Maggie’s online community visit: www.maggiescentres.org

Another event partner for the Men’s 10K is Breathing Space, the mental health organisation. It is a free, confidential phone line and web service that anyone in Scotland (particularly men) can call when they are feeling low or depressed.  The phone line is available 24 hours at weekends (6pm Friday – 6am Monday) and 6pm – 2am on weekdays (Monday – Thursday) on 0800 83 85 87 (Minicom: 0800 31 71 60). Breathing Space is part of the Scottish Government’s National Programme for Improving Mental Health & Wellbeing. Visit: www.wellscotland.info for information.