A KEEN runner organised a community marathon to beat Blue Monday after struggling with his own mental health.
Chris Young was joined by about 40 people at different points of the run which was held at the weekend ahead of Blue Monday.
The third Monday in January is said to be the most depressing day of the year and Chris, wanted to give people the opportunity to get out and connect with others while running or walking.
The 30-year-old from Cleator Moor was supported by his work colleague, Mel Dixon, who walked a half marathon. Chris then completed a second marathon on Blue Monday.
He said: “I’ve had a couple of people message saying they’ve woken up buzzing and it’s lifted their mood because they’ve had a bad couple of weeks.
“Just getting people out and together has helped them massively. I think they want to make it a more regular thing.
“Blue Monday is meant to be the most depressing day of the year so we wanted to do a run / walk and get people set up to go into Blue Monday in a good mood.”
Chris has found running has helped him through his own mental health struggles.
He said: “I would go as far to say that running saved my life. It keeps you occupied. For me, it allows me to process things properly and you get endorphins flowing.”
Chris has completed a number of marathons for good causes and most recently ran one on Christmas Day to raise funds for community stalwart Sharon Graham, who is recovering from a devastating fall at home.
He also ran 30 marathons every day for a month to mark his 30th birthday in April last year and raised thousands of pounds for Hospice at Home West Cumbria and Hearts of Gold West Cumbria.
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