Author(s): NAYLOR, A., WALL TWEEDIE, J., FLOOD, A., ALEXANDER, B. , Institution: UNIVERSITY OF CANBERRA, Country: AUSTRALIA, Abstract-ID: 1190

Introduction
Running for Resilience (R4R) is a series of community physical activity events designed to promote mental health and suicide prevention in Canberra, Australia. Although such initiatives are increasing, empirical evidence on participant experiences remains limited. R4R is a registered charity and appears to have successfully established a physical activity community, which has grown rapidly since its foundation (see runningforresilience.com). This study investigates how participants experience R4R and how these experiences relate to perceived benefits, with the aim of informing the implementation of similar initiatives in other settings.

Methods
Semi-structured interviews with twenty-five R4R participants allowed for the collection of data that provides a rich understanding of the R4R context. An interview guide was developed to reflect the research objectives. The interviews were conducted via Microsoft Teams and lasted 30-60 minutes. Deidentified interview transcripts were uploaded to NVivo. Reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clark, 2019) of the interview transcripts allowed for the identification of patterns in participants’ motives, involvement, experiences, and perceived benefits of R4R.

Results
Findings indicate that while physical activity goals may have initially motivated participation, continued engagement was primarily driven by social and psychological factors. The research data have indicated that ongoing social connection, group identity, and permission to share mental health challenges with others have been key factors for ongoing engagement and improved mental wellbeing. Participants reported that they identified themselves as part of the R4R group and valued R4R’s inherent purpose and meaning. The perceived purpose may facilitate individual attachment to R4R in contrast to other group-based physical activity initiatives such as Park Run. The consistency of the weekly events has been repeatedly observed as a valued feature of R4R with many participants upholding R4R as an escape from other work or school responsibilities.

Conclusions
This research enhances understanding of how community-based physical activity events can support mental health through mechanisms beyond exercise alone. Insights inform recommendations to refine, expand, and promote R4R’s delivery in Australia. Future research should focus on specific participant cohorts and incorporate longitudinal quantitative measures to build on these findings.

References
Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2019). Reflecting on reflexive thematic analysis. Qualitative Research in Sport, Exercise and Health, 11(4), 589-597. https://doi.org/10.1080/2159676X.2019.1628806
Running for Resilience (R4R), runningforresilience.com