WITH SO MANY WONDERFUL COMMUNITY INITIATIVES OUT THERE, WHY NOT MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLAC E WHILE YOU RUN? HERE ARE JUST THREE WAYS YOU CAN GIVE SOMETHING BACK

WORDS: CLAIRE CHAMBERLAIN

The mutual benefits of running

DOING GOOD

VOLUNTEER WITH GOODGYM

GoodGym is a community of runners who combine getting fit with doing good in the wider community. “It came out of me not doing any exercise and thinking I could do something more useful than just running on a treadmill,” explains GoodGym founder, Ivo Gormley. “So I started running to deliver the paper to an isolated older man called Terry.” A Group Run involves running to a community project or organisation, helping out, and then running back again – taking part in anything from tidying a community garden to sorting food boxes for disadvantaged families. Or you could try a Mission Run (helping out an elderly person with a one-offtask), or Coach Run (running to visit an elderly isolated person).

It’s a brilliant way to make a difference to somebody’s life, putting your running to fantastic use. “Every time you go for a run, you’re probably going past the house of someone who’s isolated and lonely,” says Gormley. “Stopping for a chat once a week can make a huge difference to their life and give you a bit more motivation for an extra run.”

And there are huge physical, psychological and social benefits for you, too. “I think it’s just another way to get involved in running – it’s an adventure,” says Gormley. “You’ll meet some nice people, explore some new places and help a local project.