Over 200 colleagues from across the public sector came together to take part in the Active Wellbeing London Run in Hyde Park yesterday (Wednesday, 16 September) and enjoyed moving their bodies together as a community and celebrating the benefits that being active has on individuals this National Fitness Day.
Hosted by Active Wellbeing, the Civil Service Sports Council’s (CSSC) health and wellbeing companion, the London Run was the latest initiative from the membership organisation, creating spaces and opportunities for people across the public and civil sector to explore physical movement as a means of supporting holistic health and wellbeing.
The event, which offered a 5km fun run/walk or a 10km run around the iconic Hyde Park for the first time, saw people of all activity levels and abilities get together.
Taking place on National Fitness Day, ukactive’s annual campaign that celebrates and raises awareness of the importance that physical movement plays across the UK in improving people’s lives, the event was a great reminder of the rewards of physical activity for boosting morale, improving wellbeing, forming lasting habits and being part of a community.
It is another example of the participant-focused events CSSC delivers for its members, as well as the wider public and civil sectors, in addition to quarterly Active Wellbeing challenges which encourage teams of colleagues to compete and support one another to reach a combined goal.
Pete Worster, CEO of CSSC, said: “It was great to see such a turn out to this year’s Active Wellbeing London Run. The atmosphere was brilliant, there was such a sense of community with people helping and cheering one another on, it really hit home how important this kind of event is for our colleagues across the sector.
“Through Active Wellbeing we want to make it easier for everyone to access and enjoy wellness, no matter how that manifests in their own life. Through a running group, or a daily walk, embedding workplace wellness into our routines is crucial, and one way which stands out to me, especially on a day like today, is by connecting with your community. Thank you to everyone who came to take part and to support.”
Long-term partner ukactive, the UK’s trade body for the fitness, leisure and physical activity sector, was celebrating this year’s theme of Powered By You to highlight that everyone has a role to play and opportunity to be active – from government to individuals and communities, to businesses, schools and hospitals.
Cameron Saunders, CEO of ukactive, added: “National Fitness Day is about showing the nation that physical activity is for everyone, regardless of age, background or experience.
“It was fantastic to take part in today’s Active Wellbeing London Run and see so many people coming together to move with one another – whether they were taking part for the first time or setting a new personal best.
“Events like these demonstrate how physical activity can build connections and create healthy habits that continue all-year round. We look forward to continuing to work with CSSC and Active Wellbeing to reach our goal of more people, more active, more often.”
