The World Health Organisation designated the World Suicide Prevention Day as a day with a mission and opportunity to create hope through action, a principle that we believe fits in so well with so many elements of community-based social running. This is the mantra that lies at the heart of Black Dog Jog, and was especially evident at their jog and BBQ a few weeks ago where social running groups gathered.
Read the report from organiser Nicola Austin below:
On September 10th, over 50 people rocked up to the beach at Dinas Dinlle in North Wales for the Black Dog Jog & BBQ, an event where ‘inclusive’ is most definitely the order of the day.
The attendees ranged from ‘here for a wander and the sea air’ to Ring O’Fire legends seeing if they can still bash out a decent 5km. Why? It was World Suicide Prevention Day and the World Health Organisation designate it as an opportunity to create ‘hope through action’ – a principle that can fit so beautifully with community running.
Over the last five years, the event has gently grown. This year Run Wales registered groups, the Mon Milers, Canicross Anglesey and the Poblado Plodders all swelled the numbers and helped spread the word.
Being by the sea, we also lured The Doggy Paddlers, and Bluetits Ynys Môn Titis Tomos Las to come and join the fun. A number of the Mon Milers went the ‘extra mile’ to combine it with a 10 mile training run along the coast through picturesque Caernarfon.
It is an informal event, it is a free event, and will remain so. It is a chance for clubs and groups to open their arms to people who can benefit from regular support, community interaction and fresh air. It is an opportunity for individuals to show up, to nudge a friend to join in, to share stories if they want to, to listen if they can.
The format is ‘loose’ which has its’ own challenges but with numbers growing, it works. An out-and-back route with everyone encouraged to turn as the lead runners come past them on the way back. Some just enjoyed the beach, some just enjoyed the coffee – nobody left behind, nobody on their own.
Local mental health team 4 Mental Health provided the BBQ to ensure it is free and engages people with the principle of Staying Safe – the mental health equivalent of wearing a seatbelt.
The ‘Black Dog’ is a euphemism for depression. At this event she lurks at the back of the pack, she watches everyone pass her and get safely home (then admittedly she eats a lot of sausages – because runners don’t eat enough sausages, they go straight for the cake!)
27th September 2023