A Group of Dedicated ‘Manbassadors’ Have Gone the Extra Mile for Men’s Health by Completing a Charity Challenge to Run All 11 Five-Kilometre Parkruns Across Leeds in One Day
As dawn broke over Leeds, a small team of men laced up their trainers and geared up for a challenge that would test their physical resolve and drive to improve men’s health in their community. At 6 a.m. on a chilly November morning, the ‘Manbassadors’—part of the Leeds City Council’s Active Leeds service—set out on a mission: to run all 11 five-kilometre parkruns across the city in one day. This ambitious feat was not purely about the distance; it was a deliberate act of advocacy, aiming to raise £1,400 for local men’s support groups during Men’s Health Awareness Month.
Why Men’s Health Matters
This initiative unfolds against a backdrop where men’s health issues have rarely taken center stage. However, the recently published government’s first-ever Men’s Health Strategy has aimed to change that narrative, making men’s health a priority in public discourse. With alarming statistics underscoring the urgency:
- Men live on average almost four years fewer than women.
- 36 percent of male deaths occur before the age of 75.
- Three in four deaths by suicide in 2024 were men.
- 69 percent of cardiovascular disease deaths in under-75s are male.
This strategy is welcomed by public health leaders across the country, including those in Leeds, who have diligently worked for years to address the specific physical and mental health challenges faced by men. The distinction between men’s and women’s health needs is significant and requires tailored interventions. Dr. Sarah Whitmore, a public health expert at the University of Leeds, states, “The disparities in health outcomes between men and women demand focused efforts. Initiatives like the Manbassadors not only raise funds but also vital awareness.”
The Manbassadors: Champions for Change
The Manbassadors’ programme is a national initiative designed to build a supportive environment for men’s health, breaking the societal stigma that often surrounds discussions of mental and physical health for men. Neil Jones, one of the runners and a member of the dynamic development team at Active Leeds, passionately reflected on the motivation behind the challenge: “Early intervention is key to making the biggest impact. Our small team of 12 men’s health ambassadors was set up in May 2024 to provide crucial listening and signposting for colleagues facing health challenges. We aimed to raise sponsorship to help local organizations dedicated to men’s health.”
A Grueling Challenge
Setting off from Wetherby, the team knocked off the kilometers, moving from one parkrun to the next. The camaraderie was palpable, bolstered by the shared goal of raising awareness and funds, yet the physical toll was undeniable. “We really enjoyed it—although it was a lot tougher than we thought,” said Jones, reflecting on the day’s emotional and physical toll.
The Broader Context in Leeds
Leeds has long been a focal point for addressing men’s health. The council’s commitment to understanding and acting on men’s health needs began in earnest back in 2016 with the report titled ‘The State of Men’s Health in Leeds’ by Leeds Beckett University. This pivotal document paved the way for collaborations across various sectors, leading to initiatives like Men’s Health Unlocked—a partnership promoting male health and wellbeing throughout the city.
Through activities such as men’s health sessions, a city-wide magazine, and the bi-annual Northern Man Festival, which attracts over 3,000 participants, Leeds has fostered an environment where men feel more empowered to seek support. “We need to make men aware of their health risks and give them a supportive platform to discuss their challenges openly,” emphasized Councillor Paul Wray, Leeds City Council’s lead member for men’s health, a role he believes is unique among local authorities in England.
Collective Commitment to Change
This year’s charitable run comes on the heels of policymakers and health leaders acknowledging this pressing need for men to publicly address their health issues. Victoria Eaton, Leeds City Council’s director of public health, expressed pride in Leeds’ proactive stance: “Our work has influenced the national strategy, showcasing our commitment to addressing men’s specific health needs. By prioritizing issues around men, we not only improve their lives but also create a ripple effect that enhances community health overall.”
The government’s strategy aims to facilitate better access to health services for men by recognizing barriers they face, emphasizing the critical need for ongoing dialogue and intervention.
The Path Forward
As dusk fell on that extraordinary day, the Manbassadors concluded their challenging journey just before 6 p.m. in Middleton, exhausted but euphoric in their achievement. Their resolve serves as a beacon for other communities, showcasing how grassroots actions can spark broader conversations and ultimately lead to systemic change. Organizations across the nation can look to Leeds as a model of proactive health advocacy, and as cities begin to embrace their responsibilities toward men’s health, support initiatives like the Manbassadors will undoubtedly play a crucial part in shaping a healthier future for all.
In the face of enduring stigmas, it remains essential to keep the conversation alive and continue to champion men’s health—one run, one conversation, and one life at a time.
Source: news.leeds.gov.uk
