Content warning: this story discusses suicide
Running for Resilience (R4R) is a community-based mental health initiative that hosts multiple running events around Canberra each week.
R4R is striving for a suicide free ACT by 2033 and encourages Canberrans to “Just. Keep. Moving.”
According to the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, suicide is the leading cause of death for those aged 15 to 49. But with initiatives such as R4R, communities around Australia can work toward significantly reducing suicide rates.
The concept of R4R is simple: run, jog, or walk for 20-30 minutes and spend some time catching up with friends. Although a small amount of exercise and social connection doesn’t seem significant, it has the power to make a big lifestyle difference, especially for those who struggle with mental health.
Ben Alexander, co-founder of R4R and owner of major sponsor The Dock, believes in the importance of this initiative.
“Spending time with others and exercising are two of the best things we can do for our mental health. Initiatives like this get people out and connected with friends,” he says.
R4R is free and runs in multiple locations around Canberra, including Kingston Foreshore, The Jetty, and Denman. They also host an event at UC every Thursday morning, which departs from the Coffee Grounds at 8:30 A.M..
R4R begun at Kingston Foreshore, where they partner with The Dock to host a Wednesday night run and complementary drinks. What started as a group of thirty to forty people, now attracts hundreds of Canberrans, rain or shine.
With R4R’s increasing popularity, it has become evident that these simple events are having real, positive impacts.
“We started getting messages from people saying that Running for Resilience really helped them when they were in a dark place,” Alexander says.
R4R was founded by Matthew Breen after he realised the importance of good exercise and social interaction.
Matthew’s father died by suicide and his mother passed due to cancer. During those difficult times, Matthew used physical activity and time with friends as moments of reprieve. These habits gave him effective tools for coping with trauma.
Matthew is using R4R to spread this important message, as well as other public platforms such as TEDxCanberra. In his 2023 TED Talk, he shared the story behind R4R’s simple concept:
“This message isn’t unique, but it’s one that’s not spoken about too often.”
According to the World Health Organisation, physical activity releases multiple ‘feel-good’ chemicals in the brain that support overall wellbeing and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also state that social connection promotes mental wellbeing through a sense of belonging, love, and care.
These positive impacts are evident in those who attend R4R, such as Russell McCarthy, a long-time participant.
“It’s one of the highlights of my week. People can come here and feel like they’re part of something that resonates with them,” he says.
“There is unfortunately still some stigma and discomfort in talking about mental health, but people feel comfortable to come even if they don’t know anyone and just start a conversation. It’s a safe space.”
Russell attends R4R with his daughters, Taylor and Charlotte, and he believes it is a great space to have meaningful conversations about mental health.
“Running with Taylor and Charlotte is something that I love. One of the things I say to the girls is that storms don’t last forever.”
Whether you’re a stroller, walker, jogger, or runner, or whether you just want to catch up with some friends and meet new people, the R4R community is welcoming and ever-growing. Head down to one of R4R’s events and see how this simple concept can make a big difference.
Photos by Maddie Smith
R4R events
- Kingston Foreshore: Monday 6:15 A.M., Wednesday 6:00 P.M., Thursday 10:30 A.M., Friday 6:15 A.M.
- University of Canberra: Thursday 8:30 A.M.
- Denman: Tuesday 6:00 P.M.
- The Jetty: Thursday 6:00 P.M.
If this story has raised any concerns for you, support is available
- Lifeline: 13 11 14, lifeline.org.au
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636, beyondblue.org.au
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800, kidshelpline.com.au