By the time in your day that you’re reading this, chances are, I’ve already gone for a run. And not just because I’m the CEO of New York Road Runners. I run because there’s nothing better for my mind.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and I’m inviting every New Yorker — regardless of age, ability or pace — to join me, whether that’s running, walking, or something in between.
Millions of Americans experience mental health challenges and there’s a good chance running can help. Exercise boosts endorphins and self-esteem. Not only that, but the CDC estimates adults can lower their risk of depression by up to 20% through exercise.
For me, I started running as a kid, but I took a break from the sport after high school. It wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic that my relationship with running permanently changed, transitioning from a hobby to a necessity. My morning run became a daily affirmation, helping me stave off the feeling of hopelessness that so many people faced.
Now when my morning alarm goes off, I tell myself, “win the morning, win the day.” A morning run creates positive momentum and if I’ve already logged a few miles before work, it’s easier to believe that I can make something else good happen.
That’s what mental health is to me — a belief that I can make good things happen, one step at a time.
Not only can running make you feel better about yourself, but it can also connect you with other people.
Loneliness is so widespread in America today that it has been identified as a major public health crisis. Social isolation is a leading risk factor for a wide range of serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
If loneliness is an injury, then community is the treatment. At New York Road Runners, we’ve been experts in community-building since our founding in 1958. Today, we serve nearly half a million athletes each year through races, free walking and running programs, and youth initiatives, all of which foster connections. In fact, our mission is to build healthier lives and stronger communities through the transformative power of running.
While running can be an individual sport, one of the biggest factors driving the current running boom is the growth of running clubs. And in New York City, there’s a running club for every runner, from beginners to serious competitors. There are also clubs that are as much about socializing as they are about running — so much so that running clubs have been dubbed the new nightclubs.
Throughout the year, we work with 300-plus local running clubs and host free weekly Open Runs in 16 local parks, so you can find some company while exploring the amazing places to run in every borough.
If walking is more your speed, there are clubs for that too. Our free Striders walking, running, and fitness program helps older adults, who are most at risk of social isolation, stay active and build community.
As a father to two young daughters, I see how kids are inside looking at their screens, often in isolation too. Our youth running program Rising New York Road Runners helps break that cycle. Through fun games, activities, and free running events across New York City, our goal is to create lifelong athletes, while building their confidence and self-esteem.
Running is hard, no doubt, but it gets easier the more you do it. That first hard mile turns into two miles, and then three. Next thing you know, you’ve run a 5K and can start thinking about going for 10K, and a 10K is almost halfway to a half marathon.
And on it goes … it is a positive feedback loop that ultimately brings tens of thousands of people from around the world to the starting line of the TCS New York City Marathon every year — the best day in New York that unites 55,000-plus athletes and two million spectators along the course, moved by the indescribable magic of running.
But you don’t have to run 26.2 miles to change your life. Running any distance with consistency can change your physical and mental health. So, this Mental Health Awareness Month, grab your running or walking shoes and join us in “winning the day.” Eventually, “winning the day” turns into winning life.
I’ll see you out there.
Simmelkjaer is CEO of New York Road Runners.
