A Brighton-based run club started by University of Sussex students is tackling the Brighton half marathon to raise money for suicide prevention.
Boys That Run (@boysthatrun on Instagram) was started in February 2022 by Sussex students and friends Fred Greaves, Joe Short, Ardi Sefre, and Alex Wood, with their friend Tom Salter joining them a month later.
Initially, the intention of the page was to provide them a way to be social outside of going to the pub like most university students, and to encourage the group to run the Brighton Marathon.
However, they quickly realised this wouldn’t be possible as the marathon was taking place in only two week’s time.
What became of it though, according to co-founder Fred Greaves, who is originally from Birkenhead, was an “intention and a pledge to keep running”. Eventually, the page became more than just an “enabler” to help them run.
“It became a way for us to open up to one another, to share conversations and be ourselves”, said Fred. As the meaning of the page changed, the meaning of running for the group also changed.
“It wasn’t just a way to keep fit,” explained Fred, “we slowly noticed the impact it was having on our mental health”.
“Boys That Run and mental health now go hand in hand”, Fred said. “I think people know that too. We aren’t just a page on Instagram that we share our running experiences on, we’re a source of communication and comfort for one another and our followers.”
Although the rest of the boys have now left Brighton following their graduation in 2023, Ardi and Alex have remained to continue Boys That Run’s Brighton journey, and set up a weekly meeting, every Thursday evening at the Level, where anyone who wishes can join him for a run in Brighton and a chat.
“At first we would invite close friends along to our runs, include them in our posts and ask them to spread the word about our page.” Said Alex. “After a while, we would receive messages from course mates, friends of friends and eventually ‘strangers’ who were showing interest in joining in on these social runs. Eventually, we deemed the demand strong enough to warrant more structured, organised group events.”
“Personally, hosting the BTR run club in Brighton has become highlight of my week.” He added. “I never grow tired of extending our offer of social running sessions to current students and young professionals who come together for a simple cause, to run and be social!”
“We know that running won’t solve everything but genuinely believe it is a brilliant stop gap” said Ardi, “and, by having people around you that support you to implement positive habits, does wonders for your mental health in the long run.”
“We currently run in Brighton every week, come rain or shine, and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Everyone is welcome!”
Member and friend Tom Salter, who now lives in London and works as a music publishing assistant, described the group as “taking shape as a beautiful community.”
“It gives people a space to catch up and let out what’s been on their minds,” Tom said. “It’s a group built on friendship and a desire to inspire others to run, and that’s a beautiful thing.”
The group have now partnered with Grassroots Suicide Prevention to run the Brighton Half Marathon in March, raising money for the charity with 30 other people who share their vision.
“When we first started Boys That Run, we were all in quite a dark place”, said Joe Short, another of the group’s co-founders.
“We all found solace in running together, talking openly about our issues and being there for one another. This type of connection I am forever grateful for, it’s changed the way I manage my mental health”.
Community and mental health awareness have become integral parts of what Boys That Run means to the founders.
“Our vision for Boys That Run goes far beyond us five,” explained Joe. “We endeavour to share the same love for running and community with as many people as possible.”
“We feel so many people can benefit from this, especially in this day and age, where so many people feel they have to face their issues alone”.
“We’re determined at Boys That Run to make the accessibility of running just as accessible as resources to mental health,” said Fred.
Boys That Run meet every Thursday evening at the Level in Brighton.
Share