A year-long England Athletics sur vey of over 13,000 people has revealed that 74% of runners have experienced an increase in their mental health and wellbeing from running. An additional sur vey by England Athletics’ RunTogether community showed 89% of runners had increased happiness as a direct result of running in a group, citing new friendships and added motivation.“Physical exercise improves a person’s wellbeing by releasing endorphins, the body’s ‘feel good’ hormones,” says Dr Averil McClelland, a GP and elite master’s athlete.“Studies c moderate depression patients who exercise regularly do as well as those [on] antidepressant medications or talking therapies.” Over 40,000 people have joined the RunTogether programme, which aims to provide inclusive running opportunities for everyone.