From Banbury to Guildford: Activate Learning staff embark on epic 177km run for men’s mental health

Four Activate Learning staff members are gearing up for an incredible challenge, running 177km (110miles) over three days to raise awareness and funds for men’s mental health in support of MindGreen, the education group’s charitable initiative supporting the mental wellbeing of its staff and students.

Taking place from Wednesday 25–Friday 27 June 2025, the MindGreen Mega Run will see the team run between eight Activate Learning college campuses across Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey. Covering distances of up to 70km in a single day, the challenge is not just a physical test—it’s a powerful statement about the importance of mental wellbeing, particularly among men.

The Oxfordshire section of the run begins at Banbury and Bicester College before journeying down to Adderbury and over the River Swere. It then continues down to Shipton-on-Cherwell, Kidlington and into Oxford, where it will pass the city-centre campus of City of Oxford College and University Centre. The run will then proceed down through Cowley before arriving at City of Oxford College and University Centre’s Technology campus in Blackbird Leys.

About MindGreen

MindGreen is Activate Learning’s charitable mental wellbeing initiative, providing essential resources and support to students and staff across campuses in Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey. Since its launch 20 months ago, it has become a key part of Activate Learning’s commitment to fostering a culture of mental wellness.

Last year, a team of Activate Learning staff ran the Surrey Half Marathon, raising over £2,500 for MindGreen. The Mega Run is set to raise even more valuable funds, with the initiative already having raised over £20,000 in total, since it was launched in July 2023.

Breaking the stigma around men’s mental health

Men are far less likely to seek help for mental health struggles, with only 36% of NHS talking therapy referrals being for men, despite experiencing mental health issues at similar rates to women. Many still feel societal pressure to “tough it out,” making open discussions around mental wellbeing even more essential.

Regular exercise, including running, has been proven to boost mental health by reducing anxiety and depression.

This is why the Mega Run aims to not only raise vital funds for MindGreen but also to inspire more conversations around men’s mental health and the benefits of physical activity.

The route: A 177km journey across three counties

This challenge will test the runners’ endurance and determination, but for these four staff members, it’s about more than just distance—it’s about making a difference.

Day 1 (25 June) – 47km: START at Banbury and Bicester College → City of Oxford College and University Centre city-centre campus.

Day 2 (26 June) – 70km: City of Oxford College and University Centre city-centre campus → Technology Campus in Blackbird Leys → Reading College and University Centre → Bracknell and Wokingham College.

Day 3 (27 June) – 60km: Bracknell and Wokingham College → Farnham College → Guildford College → FINISH Merrist Wood College and University Centre.

Meet the mega runners!

Mark Tempest – Construction Tutor, Reading College and University Centre (Activate Learning)

For Mark, running is about personal growth, mental wellbeing and giving back. A long-time supporter of mental health initiatives, he sees endurance events as a way to challenge himself while helping others.

“I’ve had my own struggles with mental health, and I find exercise to be a really useful ally. Committing to big endurance challenges gives me something to focus on, something to strive for. The sense of achievement isn’t just for me, it’s about helping others too.”

With marathons, half marathons and even an ultra-marathon under his belt, Mark is ready for his biggest challenge yet.

Neil Axon – Regional Head of Student Experience – Surrey (Activate Learning)

Between his busy job and being a dad to two young boys, Neil doesn’t have a set running schedule—he fits it in whenever he can!

His journey began eight years ago when he struggled to run a kilometre due to asthma. Now, he’s taken part in three ultra-marathons, multiple marathons and half marathons, including last year’s Surrey Half Marathon for MindGreen.

“I definitely find that my mental health is better when I run. Long-distance events give me huge motivation, and the Mega Run sounded like an adventure I just couldn’t say no to!”

Romeo Malcon – Marketing Pioneer Apprentice, Reading College and University Centre (Activate Learning)

Romeo’s passion for running began in his native Ghana, where he used it as part of football training. Since moving to the UK at 16, he has pushed himself to run longer distances, recognising its positive impact on mental wellbeing.

Now, he takes his running to the extreme, starting his workday three times a week with a 20-MILE RUN!

“Starting the day with a long run, I find the hardest part of my day is done and the rest is easy! I feel like I can achieve anything if I’ve been for a good run before work.”

Romeo is taking on the Mega Run challenge to not only push himself but to also raise awareness about men’s mental wellbeing, a topic he feels needs more open discussion—especially in Ghana, where the traditional male mindset is to ‘tough it out’ rather than talk about struggles.

Tim Gamble – Rural Estates Manager, Merrist Wood College and University Centre (Activate Learning)

With four children and over 400 acres of college estate to manage, Tim already has an active lifestyle. But he’s also found running to be a huge benefit to his mental health.

“I used to be a keen cyclist, but when the kids came along, that took a back seat. Running helps keep an old back injury in check, but more importantly, it helps with my mental wellbeing.”

Over the past year, Tim has completed two half marathons and is currently clocking 40 miles a week in training. The Mega Run will be his biggest challenge yet, and he’s excited to see what he can achieve.

Support the MindGreen Mega Run

The MindGreen Mega Run is about more than just miles: it’s about making a real impact on mental health awareness and support within Activate Learning.

To help MindGreen to continue providing valuable mental wellbeing support, you can donate here: https://bit.ly/ALMegaRun

ENDS

Notes for editors

Images

Images of the running team can be viewed via We Transfer using the following link: https://we.tl/t-qUCgi2UhTm

Longer runner profiles are available on request

About Activate Learning:

Activate Learning is a forward-thinking education group working across further and higher education, schools, apprenticeships and training. We transform lives through learning.

GROUP MEMBERS:

www.activatelearning.ac.uk

For more information: please contact Caitlin Kelly, Communications Officer at Activate Learning by email at caitlin.kelly@activatelearning.ac.uk