Hello runner friends!
Welcome back to the Bass Pro Fitness Series
MIDWEEK M😊TIVATI😊N blog
Now let’s get started by talking about the Fellows Lake 5 and 8 mile trail run that happened on Saturday. I was sad that I wasn't able to make it, as the Bass Pro Fitness Series always has the best events, but I loved reading all the comments and seeing all the photos. There were so many smiles!
Everyone was posting about the fun time they had at the race and with friends. Which brings me to today's topic of mental health. Science has clearly shown that running boosts our mental health. We all know that, right? But did you know that group running boosts it even more?? That's why runners tend to run "in packs."
This is also why those runners who frequently run with friends or with a running group are more likely to stick with running over a lifetime. As a longtime runner and running coach, this is something I can personally attest to. Which is the very reason I urge every person who completes the Couch to 5k classes I teach every year to get plugged into a running group of some type. It really makes that much of a difference.
You see, running has always been more than just a physical activity; it’s a powerful tool for mental and emotional well-being. But when running becomes a group activity, its benefits multiply. Group running fosters connection, motivation, and resilience, offering a unique path to improved mental health.
To further back this up and to entice you to find a group (if you're not part of one already), check out these 5 Stats That Prove Group Running Boosts Mental Health:
1. 44% of Runners Show Mental Health Improvements Comparable to Antidepressants
A 2023 study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders compared the effects of antidepressants and running-based therapy on patients with depression and anxiety. Over 16 weeks, both treatments showed similar levels of effectiveness, with 44% of participants experiencing significant improvements in their mental health.
What sets running apart, however, are its additional physical benefits. Patients in the running group saw improvements in their weight, blood pressure, and heart function, while those on medication experienced no such changes. Running’s dual benefits—mental and physical—make it an ideal choice for managing mental health.
Group running enhances these benefits by adding social support, which is critical for consistency. As the study noted, sticking to the prescribed running protocol was a challenge for some participants, but running with a group provides the accountability and encouragement needed to stay on track.
2. 89% of Runners Report Increased Happiness Through Social Connections
Human beings are social creatures, and meaningful connections are essential for mental well-being. According to a 2018 survey by Glasgow Caledonian University, 89% of runners using platforms like ParkRun and Strava reported that running regularly made them happier.
Running with a group amplifies this happiness by creating a sense of community and belonging. Studies have shown that group runs foster genuine friendships and emotional support, helping runners cope with stress and reducing feelings of isolation.
Kathy Youngren, a runner from Alabama, describes her running community as “like family.” Whether it’s enduring tough weather, sharing personal victories, or simply enjoying the camaraderie, the bonds formed during group runs provide a profound mental health boost.
Social connection during runs not only enhances mood but also strengthens emotional resilience, making it easier to navigate life’s challenges.
3. Running With a Group Increases Performance and Effort by 200%
The Kohler effect, a psychological phenomenon, explains how working out with a group motivates individuals to push harder. A study from Kansas State University found that exercising with a more capable partner increased workout intensity and duration by 200%.
This motivational boost is particularly valuable for mental health. Running with a group encourages individuals to overcome barriers like fatigue or self-doubt, building both physical endurance and mental toughness.
Moreover, group dynamics create a supportive environment where runners feel encouraged to succeed together. Whether it’s running an extra mile or improving your pace during a speed workout, the collective energy of a group can lead to breakthroughs that wouldn’t happen alone.
4. Two-Thirds of Runners Experience the “Runner’s High” During Group Runs
Running triggers the release of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine—neurotransmitters that play a crucial role in regulating mood and combating stress. Known as the “runner’s high,” this natural chemical boost leaves runners feeling relaxed, happy, and mentally refreshed.
A study by Kenneth E.C. found that two-thirds of runners reported experiencing the runner’s high during their runs, with many noting additional mental benefits like tension relief, improved self-image, and enhanced creativity.
When shared with a group, the effects of these mood-enhancing chemicals are magnified. The shared goals, encouragement, and camaraderie of group runs amplify the mental rewards, making each run a therapeutic experience.
5. 89% of Group Runners Find Purpose and Belonging in Their Runs
The Japanese concept of “ikigai” refers to the sense of purpose that makes life meaningful. For many, group running embodies this idea by combining personal fitness goals with community engagement.
Running with a group creates opportunities to connect with others, set shared goals, and celebrate collective achievements. These experiences foster a sense of belonging and self-worth, which are critical for mental health.
This is the reason the Bass Pro Shops Fitness Series is so loved by running groups everywhere! And I mean everywhere! Their mission is to celebrate health and wellness, outdoor adventures and wildlife conservation in the beauty of the Ozarks. And their purpose is to help people become the best they can be. Completing events like theirs, they say, change people from the inside out. They celebrate the accomplishments of their participants and understand the positive impact their events can have on our total wellbeing.
Furthermore, their programs are designed to include activities for people of all ages, backgrounds, fitness levels and areas of interest. Proceeds from their events are shared by local charities that align with the mission and giving pillars of Bass Pro Shops and the Fitness Series. Is that awesome or what?
This means that whether you’re training for a marathon, exploring trail running, or simply seeking a supportive community, the Bass Pro Fitness Series of events can help you find your tribe. I know they helped me find mine! I met more than half of the runners I now run with regularly and consider dear friends through the events Bass Pro puts on.
And while we joke that these friendships have actually caused a decline in our mental health (because we attempt bigger things all the time because of the influence of the group), we all know it's a joke. There's a lot of joy to be found by being in the right running group which is awesome for your mental health. So get out there and find your group. You'll be glad you did. Happy Running!
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