About R4R

The Run4Rene Charitable Trust was founded in 2017, in loving memory of Rene who died by suicide at 22. More than just a running crew, we're a community dedicated to having conversations around mental health and fighting the stigma that isolates people and steals lives.

Our Vision

That every person has an inclusive community close by that they can turn to for support with their mental and physical health.

To achieve this, we need volunteers like you to lead a Run4Rene Crew in your local community.

Our Mission

Run4Rene Crew are on a mission to improve the mental health of communities and to contribute to the prevention of suicide, the biggest killer of young people and men under 50.

We believe running promotes physical and mental wellbeing, and combining this with talking openly, we can combat stigma, isolation and low mood.

Our Strategy

We can’t do it alone. That’s why we celebrate and support run leaders looking to start their own Run4Rene Crews in their local community. Together we’re building a nationwide network of communities that can share resources, experiences and learnings.

“Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up.”

— Dean Karnazes

Listen to our story

Why Running?

Running is accessible to so many people from all ages and backgrounds. It doesn’t require lessons and it’s free. You can plan to run with mates or spontaneously put on your trainers and go solo!

Countless studies, including this paper in the JAMA Psychiatry journal support the theory that physical activity is an effective prevention strategy for depression and anxiety.

Running side-by-side fosters connection and conversation; two key elements in preventing isolation and loneliness which we know can exacerbate poor mental health. We want Run4Rene to be accessible to all levels. No one in our group runs alone.

See where our runs happen here