Parkrun is a five kilometre, two-lap course running throughout the university's campus, beginning at 8am every Saturday near 18 Wally's Walk; however, on Saturday 23 May, the weekly ritual will transform into a day of active fun and community fundraising to support mental health research.
Cheering on the participants at last year's Mental Health Fun Run.
Returning to Wallumattagal (North Ryde) campus for its second year, the Fun Run is proudly headlined by Macquarie University Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre in collaboration with Macquarie University Sport and parkrun. The Macquarie Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Research Centre's vision is to maximise the health and wellbeing of all Australians with several projects that address emotional, cognitive and social aspects, regardless of a person's age, background, or psychosocial advantage. The event is looking to break parkrun records for participation this year as well as aiming to raise $50,000, with the help of staff, students and the Macquarie community.
Like many who will be participating in this years' run, Ben can speak very personally and directly to the importance of mental health research, for both himself and those close to him.
Ben dressed up in his brilliant inflatable dinosaur at last year's run.
"I have kids who have struggled with anxiety as well," Ben explained. "We have used the Cool Kids Program.
"If I'm having a bad day and I'm feeling down. I go for a run, and I'll come back and I'll feel better."
The Cool Kids program helps youth with developing skills to manage and overcome anxiety and is one of Lifespan's many programs supporting mental health. The proceeds raised through the Fun Run will be directed to the important research and efforts that bring these programs to life.
"She's (Ben's daughter) been doing her passion, which is theatre… she's able to better manage the stage nerves because we use the tools that we learned."
For Ben, what the Cool Kids program has been able to deliver has been impactful.
"It's helped create this awesome daughter of mine."
The Lifespan Health and Wellbeing Centre has established many other programs that are critical at different life stages. Study Without Stress, is a program that equips students with knowledge and practical tips on how to approach and overcome stress associated with heavy workload and exams in the final years of high school. As well as Ageing Wisely, is a psychological treatment program that is specifically designed for older adults (aged 60 years and older) to help them learn skills to manage worry, anxiety, low mood or depression.
On the day of the Fun Run, participants will be encouraged to dress up in fun outfits and fancy dress, whether that be fluffy tutus, inflatable costumes, or the Man of Steel himself.
Fun Runners getting into the fun of the fancy dress, from tutus to capes.
"You don't need to be a marathon runner… It's just getting the community and all having a bit of fun," says Ben.
"It is a great, empowering kind of community. They are just so welcoming and engaging."
The Fun Run isn't looking for world-record times – it is a much wider effort than keeping a fast pace. Participants can run, walk, donate funds in support, volunteer to help run the day or just enjoy the atmosphere of the parkrun community.
After the run, those attending can hang around and chat over coffee and a sausage sizzle that will be running between 7am to 11am.
Taking part in the Fun Run is an all-round feel-good event: a great way to get an early morning boost, make new connections and be part of supporting mental health research. Ben encourages staff, students and the wider Macquarie community to get involved with parkrun in whatever way they can, especially on 23 May.
The parkrun community coming together to raise funds for mental health research.
And what is Ben's advice for when the muscles start burning?
"You're listening to your body saying, 'this is too hard'. You need to be talking to your brain and saying, 'no, let's get this done, because we can do this'. It is hard, but we're gonna do it because it's hard," he said.
"You'll impress yourself."
More information on the Fun Run event and where to register can be found here →
