Running my way to better mental health

For most of my life I have struggled with poor mental health, particularly anxiety and OCD. But I’ve gone from feeling like I’m at breaking point – like I’m the only person who can possibly feel the way I feel – to feeling stronger and like I’ve got this all under control!

I’m Harry, a residential surveyor, RICS registered valuer and LionHeart ambassador. In my spare time, I formed a running club called OverRun Project, to tackle the stigma that surrounds mental health through the reformative power of running.

For me, running has always been more than just a way of keeping physically fit. Running has been a form of therapy and self-care, a space where I can truly be at peace and focus on being the best version of myself.

Like I said, I’d always been affected with mental ill health but initially started running to improve my fitness. I just had no idea how much it would also improve my mental health as well.

How did OverRun Project begin? After connecting with some amazing runners on this journey, the biggest thing I hear is how so many people are running to improve their mental health but too afraid to talk openly about their struggles in fear of sounding 'weird'.

Your mental health is like the weather, it can change daily with a single drop of rain; and that is completely okay (but it can take time to realise that).

As someone who has struggled mentally for many years, I know what it feels like to suffer in silence, to feel so alone that nobody could possibly understand you.

I decided to launch the running club with a difference to try and connect those that are suffering in silence, to create a space where runners can connect with like-minded people, discuss their mental health and ways of coping and above all, champion mental health awareness.

When I first began running I could only run around 5KM, but have now progressed to completing 3 marathons in 2025 – one of which was an ‘ultra’ distance of 50KM.

It just goes to show what can grow from small beginnings and OverRun was no different. Since starting we have grown our weekly club to having up to 30 people - all running and having open conversations to help each other normalise their feelings and reduce the stigma of mental ill health.

The club has won a Kent Mental Health & Wellbeing’s Activity Group award of 2025, and we raised over £5,000 for Mind by taking on Tough Mudder.

Along my journey I completed some mental health first aid training and since joining e.surv and finding out about LionHeart I just knew this was something I also wanted to be part of. I am now a proud ambassador for the charity.

When LionHeart asked the ambassador team to share some thoughts on the so-called 5 Ways to Wellbeing, I realised that, for me, two of them have been absolutely game-changing – being active and making connections (read more about the 5 Ways to Wellbeing here).

I have found through helping others with their mental ill health, your own wellbeing can also drastically improve. I would encourage anyone else who might be struggling to make those connections too.

Harry Higgs is an AssocRICS Residential Surveyor & RICS Registered Valuer working with e.surv Chartered Surveyors in Kent, having previously worked as a Domestic Energy Assessor