Hundreds of runners gathered at Upton Country Park in Poole on Saturday, 8th November, for a charity run in support of men’s mental and physical health as part of Movember.
Prle Przystup took part in the Poole Movember run.
Przystup said: “We need to remove the stigma from these conversations and to provide a safe space for men to talk.”
Movember is the leading global charity changing the face of men’s health.
Since 2003, Movember has funded more than 1,300 projects around the world, taking on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention to stop men dying too young.
Hollie Llewelyn-Davies, Mass Participation Events Manager for MoRunning, said: “It’s incredibly powerful when you see and hear another man saying ‘Actually, I’m not okay and this is why’.
She added: “It creates a ripple effect for men to open up and talk.
It was a sunny early start for the runners at Upton Country Park, with four different runs taking place.”
Runners could choose from a half-marathon, 10K, 5K, or a 1.5K Mini MoRun for the little ones, making it easily accessible for anyone who wants to participate.
Many participants got into the spirit of Movember by dressing up in creative costumes for the fancy dress competition, which added a light-hearted touch to the morning, bringing laughter and cheers.
Marie Elliot, a BH Live Gym staff member said: “We have raised awareness for a great cause, and also highlighted the impact that fitness can have on people’s mental health.”
She added: “Keeping fit and healthy is so important.”
Staff from BH Live Gym also led the warmups before each run and motivated runners along the route, helping keep spirits high.
There are around eighteen MoRuns and between sixteen to eighteen thousand participants across the country on the weekends in November
They collectively raise around £80,000 – £100,000 each year.
MoRunning is growing in the UK each year, as indicated by increasing participation.
Llewelyn-Davies added: “It’s an accessible price point, distance and locality, all of which contribute to why it is so successful.
“It’s amazing to have seen and be a part of people’s journeys, to be able to support them and most importantly, to thank them.”
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