GUELPH – Up and Running Guelph (URG) has announced the expansion of its walking and running programs to include options for everyone, aged 18-plus.
The new six-week program began on April 15 at Riverside Park.
Since its establishment in 2016, the organization has been guided by its mission of supporting mental health through inclusive nature-based programs in a supportive community. For the last eight years, URG has offered programs to participants who identify as female.
Kelly Legge, executive director of Up and Running Guelph shares that “from the beginning, Up and Running envisioned expanding our programs to include options for everyone. We know that in any given year, one in five people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness and that by the age of 40, about 50 per cent of the population will have or have had a mental illness.”
Up and Running programs allow everyone to get active outdoors and develop social connections to help manage their mental health.”
The non-competitive nature of the programs and emphasis on the joy of movement and inclusivity have been instrumental in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all participants.
One program participant shared, “To be greeted with a warm welcome and kind listening, and smiles is priceless to me… Up and Running [Guelph] truly is a safe place in a chaotic world.”
An increased sense of belonging and support among participants are consistently cited as major benefits.
Up and Running Guelph recognizes the profound impact of physical activity, time spent in nature, and social connections on overall well-being. In addition to walking and running, URG offers wellness workshops and social activities to participants to help foster social connections between individuals.
“We aim to make these benefits accessible to a wider audience by expanding our programs and services to cater to diverse interests. Thanks to the generous support of our community and funders, including the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) Resilient Communities Fund grant, we are proud to see our vision become a reality,” said URG Board Chair, John Watson.
Up and Running Guelph is committed to removing barriers to getting active outdoors, ensuring that people who could benefit from the support of a group program can experience the mental health benefits of green exercise.
If you want to get involved or know more about Up and Running programs, please visit upandrunningguelph.ca.
