Why the Farm Run Matters to the Farming Community
Posted 27th August 2026
Farming is more than a job - it’s a way of life. But that way of life can be tough. Long hours, isolation, financial pressure, busy seasons and constant responsibility all take a toll, not just physically but mentally too.
Farm Run was created to offer something positive back to the farming community: a chance to come together, get active, and take a small but powerful step towards better mental health.
Meet Charlotte - A Young Voice for Farmers’ Wellbeing
This year we’re sharing the story of Charlotte, a 26‑year‑old from a farming family who works in a farm shop and is closely involved in the rural community. Her dad is a farmer, and at home her stepmum runs a farm education site on their smallholding, welcoming school groups, supporting grieving children and working with local councils.
Charlotte is also a member of Pocklington Fitmums and Friends, and it was through a session that the idea of highlighting her story at Farm Run came about. When asked if she’d signed up to any of the upcoming events, she said she was already signed up to do the Farm Run – and that she’d like to use it to support farmers’ mental health.
Charlotte is running to raise money for Yellow Wellies - Mind Your Head, the NFU’s farm safety campaign that focuses on both physical and mental safety. For her, this is deeply personal: she lost a good friend to suicide, a fellow member of Young Farmers, and she wants to make sure conversations about mental health in farming don’t get pushed aside.
Why Events Like Farm Run Help Farmers
When we asked Charlotte how events like Farm Run can benefit farmers, her answer was simple but powerful.
First, it’s about getting off the farm and being social.
Farming can be isolating. Days can pass where the only conversations are with livestock, customers, or contractors. Events like Farm Run give farmers a reason to:
- Step away from the yard or field
- Meet new people and reconnect with others in the farming community
- Share experiences and realise they are not alone
Second, it’s about confidence and mental health.
Charlotte feels strongly that any story about her involvement should highlight that:
- Exercise is good for your mental health
- Taking part helps you believe you can do hard things
- Facing a challenge like a run can build confidence that carries back into everyday farm life
Whether the challenge is tackling a muddy 10k or just turning up for a shorter run, the message is the same: pushing slightly outside your comfort zone, in a supportive environment, can be hugely positive for your wellbeing.
Making Farm Run Accessible: 10k and a New 3k Option
We know that time is one of the biggest barriers for farmers. When the lambing starts, the school trip season kicks off, or harvest gets underway, training for a long-distance event can quickly fall to the bottom of the list.
That’s why, alongside the 10k Farm Run, we’re introducing a shorter 3k option. At less than a parkrun, it’s designed for:
- Farmers and family members who are new to running
- People who are short on time but still want to be part of the day
- Anyone who wants to support the cause without the pressure of a longer distance
Charlotte’s step mum is a good example. She signed up for the 10k but struggled to train once lambing and school visits ramped up. A shorter route means people like her don’t have to miss out completely – they can still be on the start line, share the experience, and contribute to the conversation around mental health.
Standing with Yellow Wellies – Mind Your Head
By taking part in Farm Run, Charlotte is supporting Yellow Wellies – Mind Your Head, a campaign that aims to keep farmers safe in every sense – from the yard to their own state of mind.
Farm Run offers:
- A visible way to show that mental health in farming matters
- A space where conversations about stress, pressure and loss are welcome
- A positive focus: doing something active, together, for a shared cause
Every farmer on the course helps send a clear message to the industry: your wellbeing is just as important as your workload.
An Invitation to the Farming Community
If you’ve ever looked at events like this and thought, “That’s not really for people like me,” we’d like to gently challenge that.
Farm Run is for:
- Seasoned runners and complete beginners
- Farmers, farm workers, family members and supporters
- Anyone who believes that the people who feed the nation deserve to look after themselves too
You don’t have to be fast. You don’t have to run the whole way. You just have to be willing to turn up, give it a go and take a small step for your own head, not just your herd.
Join us at Farm Run and help us champion mental health in the farming community – one stride, one smile and one conversation at a time.
Sign up at www.farmrun.co.uk and if you’d like to claim a free place as a farmer, send us an email: admin@fitmums.org.uk
Performance Activewear
Shop now
Yearning to start your own group?
We're here to help
Find out more
