• Organisers of World Mental Health Day champions campaign to promote positive benefits of exercise on mental health and wellbeing 
• 2023 Vitality London 10,000 taking place on Sunday 24 September 

World Federation for Mental Health has pledged to support the #DoItForYou campaign to promote the positive benefits of activity on our mental health and wellbeing at the 2023 Vitality London 10,000. 

On Sunday 24 September, thousands will take part in the Vitality London 10,000, completing the distance on a spectacular course through central London past some of the world’s most recognisable landmarks. 

Today, World Federation for Mental Health, the founders of World Mental Health Day, which takes place on Tuesday 10 October 2023, have supported #DoItForYou and championed the value of exercise in promoting better mental health and wellbeing. 

World Federation for Mental Health works to advance, among all peoples and nations, the prevention of mental and emotional disorders, the proper treatment and care of those with such disorders, and the promotion of mental health. 

Professor Gabriel Ivbijaro MBE JP, Secretary General for World Federation for Mental Health, said: “I am delighted that WFMH is supporting this year’s Vitality London 10,000, which takes place two weeks before World Mental Health Day 2023. 

“Running and exercise is very important for our mental and physical health and evidence shows that it helps reduce stress and symptoms of depression, and improves overall physical and mental wellbeing. 

“The Vitality London 10,000 event brings people together, fostering connections and reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation. This supports the theme for the World Mental Health Day 2023, which is ‘Mental Health is a Universal Human Right’.  

“If you are in London please consider participating, whether it is by running or cheering people on, because together we can make a difference for mental health.” 

In 2023, runners can sign up to dedicated Run to Overcome wave, in association with Mental Health Mates, where you can run with like-minded individuals for your head, heart and for fun. Participants have been sharing their stories as to why they exercise for their mental health and wellbeing here. 

You can enter here for the Vitality London 10,000 on Sunday 24 September, and sign up for the virtual Vitality London 10,000 here. Entries close on Monday 18 September. All finishers receive a T-shirt and a souvenir medal.