Best Mental Health Initiative – we’ve been shortlisted!

This year, we were incredibly proud to be shortlisted for Best Mental Health Initiative at the Great British Workplace Wellbeing Awards.

On the surface, this might sound surprising. Race At Your Pace is often described as a physical health organisation. We run movement-based challenges. We talk about steps, miles and activity.

But for us, this recognition means a great deal – because the link between physical activity and mental wellbeing isn’t just strong. It’s undeniable.

The evidence has been clear for some time

The NHS highlights physical activity as one of its Five Steps to Mental Wellbeing, noting that movement can improve mood, boost self-esteem, reduce stress and support better mental health overall.

Research consistently shows that being active can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve sleep, and provide a sense of routine and purpose – all of which are particularly important in modern workplaces, where stress, burnout and isolation are increasingly common.

In fact, nearly half of UK adults believe their mental wellbeing can be improved through physical activity.

But while the evidence matters, what truly brings this to life for us is what we hear directly from the people taking part.

What we see every day through our challenges

Again and again, participants tell us that our challenges help them during difficult periods – personally and professionally.

Sophie Thomson from SSNC shared how movement became an important form of self-care:

“This challenge really helped me get out and get my steps in. It helped massively with my anxiety and gave me the boost to get out and enjoy the fresh air. With a young child, I find it hard to make time for myself, but this gave me a chance to have some ‘me time’.”

For others, the structure and shared experience of a workplace challenge makes all the difference.

Eseri Olanrewaju from Preston Vocational Centre told us:

“It was at a time I didn’t feel like getting out of bed because of what I was going through. But because it was a challenge and all my colleagues were involved, I forced myself out of bed – and I realised I felt better every time I went for a walk.”

This sense of connection is something we see time and time again, particularly for those working remotely or feeling disconnected from colleagues.

Angie Kang from Agilio Software said:

“The challenge got me out even on days where I didn’t feel like getting out. Getting out in the fresh air, even for 30 minutes, cleared my head and relaxed me.”

More than just movement

For some participants, the impact goes even further – opening up new confidence, motivation and a renewed sense of purpose.

Craig Pearce from Community Gateway Association shared:

“It opened up a completely new world for me and, as a result, improved my work and personal life. I’ve seen new places, met new people, and it’s been a 100% win for me.”

And Caroline Parr, also from Community Gateway Association, highlighted how movement helped her regain perspective during a challenging time:

“The challenge positively impacted my mental health. I was having a tough time personally and lacked my usual motivation to walk. But being competitive, it spurred me on. Walking really helps me think and get things into perspective.”

Why this recognition matters

Last year, we were also shortlisted at the Great British Workplace Wellbeing Awards for Wellbeing Provider of the Year and Wellbeing App/Platform of the Year. Those recognitions meant a lot.

But being shortlisted specifically for a mental health award feels particularly meaningful.

As a physical health organisation, recognition for mental wellbeing impact doesn’t always come naturally – even though it sits at the heart of what we do. Movement creates space. Space to think. Space to connect. Space to feel better.

This shortlist reinforces something we’ve believed from the very beginning:
supporting mental wellbeing doesn’t always start with a conversation – sometimes it starts with a walk.

And that’s something we’ll continue to champion, every single day.