Young runners are rallying for wellbeing.<\/p>\n
The Heavy Breathers, a Dunedin-based group of 51 university students, will once again line up for the Emerson\u2019s Dunedin Marathon on September 14, to raise money for men\u2019s mental health.<\/p>\n
In 2024, the first iteration of the fundraising group raised $110,000 for mental health.<\/p>\n
Several younger brothers of the original group are taking part this time, including Ben Norris, Ieremia Morris and Jack Callear.<\/p>\n
This time the group is partnering with Lads Without Labels, a student-led mental health and wellbeing charity.<\/p>\n
Ieremia Morris said the money raised will be split between providing funds for free counselling and creating a Dunedin community event.<\/p>\n
Heavy Breathers member Ben Norris said funds raised would depend on what the Dunedin event would be.<\/p>\n
“But it will be some kind of community event to promote men\u2019s mental health.”<\/p>\n
The group has been preparing for the marathon by training together.<\/p>\n
Sometimes that has been in larger groups, but they have also developed a \u2018three for three\u2019 challenge to widen participation.<\/p>\n
Supporters complete a 3km walk, ride or run, nominate three friends to do the same and post on social media with the group tagged.<\/p>\n
“Just to like get people moving and raise awareness,” Mr Norris said.<\/p>\n
The group has already increased its fundraising target as donations continue to come in.<\/p>\n
They have now raised close to $11,000 on their Givealittle page.<\/p>\n
The group has also launched a Heavy Breathers Breathe Bro Tee as a fundraiser, available on Instagram by searching Heavy Breathers.<\/p>\n
A fundraising gig in collaboration with Dunedin promoter Summit Touring is taking place on Saturday, August 23 at Dropkicks.<\/p>\n
Break the Silence\u00a0will feature electronic artists including Solid Grooves, Ruby, Horsemen and Hatrick, with all proceeds going to Lads without Labels.<\/p>\n
Taking part in the marathon as a fundraiser was about awareness as much as dollars, reflecting that poor mental health is common among students and that taking a first step can be hard for young men.<\/p>\n
“There\u2019s just so many different ways in Dunedin that you can just get everyone together and supporting the cause at the same time.<\/p>\n
“It is pretty cool how we are all like a community, just sort of living close, it is bringing people together and connecting,” Mr Norris said.<\/p>\n
\u2022 To give, visit givealittle.co.nz and search for Heavy Breathers.<\/p>\n