Mental Health Runner Cohort Program
Running Together for Mental Well-Being
For many people, starting a running routine feels easier when they have others beside them.
The Mental Health Runner Cohort Program brings participants together in a structured group experience that combines running, mental health education, and community support, all for free, because we believe money should never be a barrier in doing something positive for yourself.
Over the course of a 10–12 week program, participants train together, reflect on how movement impacts their mental health, and build a sustainable running routine. The experience concludes with a local 5K race, celebrating everything participants have accomplished together.
Each cohort is designed to create a welcoming space where people can move forward together, one step at a time.
“[The] best part for me was learning to get back out there again because of this program and everyone, I've been able to learn to do more for my mental health and physical health. Which I'm super thankful.”
— Mental Health Runner Participant
What Makes Our
Cohort Program
Unique
While many running programs focus on performance or competition, the Mental Health Runner Cohorts focus on something different.
This program helps participants explore how running can support their mental well-being while building meaningful connections with others on a similar journey.
Participants gain:
Support from running coaches and program facilitators
A consistent schedule that builds accountability
A community of peers working toward a shared goal
Tools to support both physical and mental wellness
Because sometimes the most powerful part of running is knowing you’re not doing it alone.
How it Works
Still I Run partners with organizations across the country to deliver cohort programs within local communities.
Each cohort is tailored to the needs of its participants while sharing the same goal: helping individuals build a relationship with running that supports their mental health.
Why Cohorts Matter
For many participants, the most powerful part of the Mental Health Runner Cohort experience is the sense of community.
Participants often discover that:
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Running feels less intimidating when done alongside others
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Sharing experiences helps reduce stigma around mental health
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Accountability makes it easier to stay consistent
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Encouragement from peers builds confidence
By the end of the program, many participants discover they’ve gained far more than the ability to run a 5K. They’ve built new habits, new friendships, and new tools to support their mental well-being.
Interested in the Mental Health Runner Program?
Still I Run offers multiple ways to participate depending on your location and preferred experience.
Explore Other Program Options
Mental Health Runner – Self-Guided Program
A 12-week independent program that provides running gear and a workbook to help individuals begin running for mental health.
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Adult Mental Health Runner Cohort
Still I Run partners with The Well Being in Grand Rapids to deliver an in-person Mental Health Runner program for adults in the West Michigan community.
This program is designed for individuals who want to begin running while building tools that support their mental health.
Program Structure
The program runs for approximately 10–12 weeks and meets twice per week.
Wednesday Evenings
Participants meet for:
A bootcamp-style fitness class led by a certified instructor
A guided mental health support group led by a licensed therapist
These sessions focus on building both physical strength and mental resilience.
Saturday Mornings
Participants meet for group runs led by a certified running coach as they train together toward the program’s final race.
What Participants Receive
Running shoes and running gear
Coaching from certified running and fitness professionals
Bootcamp fitness classes
Weekly group runs
Professional mental health support sessions
Entry into a local 5K race
Community support from fellow participants
The program concludes with a local 5K race marking the end of the training journey and the beginning of a lifelong relationship with running.
Who Can Apply
Applicants should:
Reside in the Grand Rapids / West Michigan region
Be interested in exploring running as a tool for mental health
Be able to commit to attending weekly program sessions
Have limited running experience or be returning after time away
Two adult cohorts are offered each year:
Spring Cohort
Fall Cohort
Applications are available online.
Keene, New Hampshire
Youth Mental Health Runner Cohort
In Keene, Still I Run partners with the City of Keene Youth Services Department to deliver a youth-focused Mental Health Runner program.
Participants meet weekly with running coaches and mentors while learning about the connection between movement and mental well-being.
Program Includes
Weekly group runs and training sessions
Mentorship and support from coaches and program leaders
Mental health skill-building activities
Running gear kits including shoes and apparel
A Mental Health Runner workbook
Entry into a local 5K race
Applications for this program are managed directly through the Youth Services Department and are not publicly available.
Tacoma, Washington
Youth Mental Health Runner Cohort
Still I Run partners with the Pierce County Juvenile Justice System to deliver a youth cohort program in Tacoma, Washington.
Participants meet weekly with running coaches and mentors to train together and learn about building healthy tools to support their mental well-being.
Program Includes
Weekly group runs and coaching sessions
Mentorship and support from program leaders
Mental health skill-building activities
Running gear kit including shoes, apparel, and accessories
A Mental Health Runner workbook
Entry into a local 5K race
This program is coordinated through Pierce County partners, and applications are not publicly available.