Ryan's Ultramarathon for Head In The Game

Ryan Whitfield is raising money for Head In The Game
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UltraMarathon - Running to all 7 London Premier League Stadiums · 18 May 2025

Head In The Game is a UK registered charity that offers the invaluable opportunity for people in the local community to unite and indulge in the sport they love. These weekly sessions, provided free of charge, cater to anyone between the ages of 18-65, regardless of their ability. Under the guidance of experienced sport and talking therapy coaches, each session is meticulously designed to prioritise mental health and overall wellbeing. By creating a secure and trusted environment, these sessions serve as an outlet for participants to address their mental health concerns. Our sessions serve as a lifeline for many participants, providing invaluable support during their most challenging moments. Within our open, honest, and non-judgmental environment, we offer unwavering support, enabling people to navigate through their darkest times and embrace brighter days ahead.

Story

Mental health issues affect millions of people worldwide, with men particularly at risk. In the UK alone, suicide is the leading cause of death for men under the age of 45, with rates of suicide among men three times higher than in women. Despite growing awareness, stigma around mental health, particularly in men, often prevents people from seeking help and having open conversations. That’s why it’s more important than ever to raise awareness, break the silence, and promote the importance of mental health support.

I’m running an Ultramarathon (58K) to raise money for Head in the Game, a mental health charity dedicated to supporting those in need and promoting crucial conversations around mental health and inclusion in physical activity to do so. The aim of this run is not only to raise funds to support the running of the group activities, cost of new equipment. but to use the power of sport and community to shine a light on these pressing issues. I’ll be running across London, visiting each Premier League stadium to raise awareness, with the ultimate goal of arriving at West Ham's London Stadium in time for their 3 PM match against Nottingham Forest on May 18th.

Mental Health is something I personally have tried to be vocal about in my life. Having hit some points in my life that I am grateful to still be here to talk about to this day. I have found personally the best way I have dealt with any struggles I have had, is through Exercise and Conversation. Both are powerful tools that can allow you to open up, give you a rest from that negative feeling you have been living with, whilst hopefully giving you a road map to a more sustainable life to deal with your struggles.

The journey will start at Selhurst Park (Crystal Palace), then continue to Brentford Community Stadium (Brentford), Craven Cottage (Fulham), Stamford Bridge (Chelsea), Emirates Stadium (Arsenal), Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (Tottenham), and finally finish at London Stadium (West Ham). It's a challenging, but meaningful run, and I’d love for you to join me along any part of the route. Whether you can run with me for a few miles or simply come out to cheer and show your support, your presence will make a difference.

Distances:

- Crystal Palace to Brentford (20KM)

- Brentford to Fulham (8KM)

- Fulham to Chelsea (2KM)

- Chelsea to Arsenal (12KM)

- Arsenal to Tottenham (7KM)

-Tottenham to West Ham (9KM)

Whether you have never run before, only ran 5K or are a regular runner. i would encourage you to join me on any part you feel most comfortable, lets have a talk on the way on your own mental health if you feel comfortable, or just get out and run in a group, in a judgement free zone where you can maybe tick off a personal best distance or just start your own fitness journey.

Every step I take will contribute to raising vital funds for Head in the Game and help bring more attention to the mental health challenges faced by so many, particularly men. Let’s make a stand together and show that no one has to face mental health struggles alone.

Join me on this journey, and together, we can make a positive impact on mental health awareness and support. Let's run, talk, and be the change we want to see.

Donation summary

Total
£1,430.00
+ £295.00 Gift Aid
Online
£1,430.00
Offline
£0.00

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