“Bigger than my own race”: Why Chris is running for mental health

One day, Chris Marsh came home and decided to do something completely outside his usual routine.

He decided to go for a run.

Chris had hated running since high school and never imagined it would become part of his life. But he pushed himself to give it a go.

After a few attempts, something clicked. Running wasn’t just a workout – it also gave him the space and time to mentally recharge.

“Running helped me get out of my own head, process things and focus on one simple challenge, putting one foot in front of the other.”

To his own surprise, what started as a challenge soon became a habit.

“If you’d told me a year ago that I’d be running three times a week and could do 10km just for fun and without stopping, I would have laughed you out of the room!”

As his confidence grew, Chris decided to set himself an even bigger challenge: the Auckland Half Marathon.

"I wanted something meaningful to work towards. And in the back of my mind I've always thought it would be cool to run over the Harbour Bridge!"

A better future for youth

When Chris signed up for the Auckland Half Marathon, he also decided to fundraise for the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand. The cause is close to his heart for several reasons.

“I manage anxiety myself daily, and I have close friends who have faced mental health challenges. It’s something I care deeply about and think deserves more recognition, openness and support.”

As a parent, Chris is also concerned about the mental health crisis facing youth in Aotearoa. A Ministry of Health report found that 23.6% of young people aged 15–24 years experienced high or very high levels of psychological distress in 2021/22.

Overcoming tough days

Since taking up running, Chris has noticed a significant improvement in his own wellbeing.

“When life feels busy or heavy, running gives me an hour where the only battle is between me and my own head, rather than me and what's going on in my world.”

And while running hasn’t solved every problem, it has helped him build resilience and perspective.

“Running hasn’t magically solved everything, but it’s helped me feel clearer, more capable, and more in control. When I have a really tough day or I’m struggling, I push out for a run and come back feeling much more positive. It’s also shown me that progress doesn’t need to be perfect. You just need to keep showing up.”

Chris still likes to keep a sense of humour about his journey.

Sparking open conversations

Since signing up for the marathon, Chris has been blown away by the support from those around him.

“The support has honestly been amazing,” he says. “My friends, whānau, and colleagues have really got behind both the running and the fundraising. Their encouragement has made a huge difference on the tougher days.”

Chris says his training has also given him many opportunities to talk to people around him about the importance of mental health.

“What’s surprised me the most is how many people have their own connection to mental health. Once you start talking about it, you realise how many people have been through something themselves, or supported someone close to them.”

Looking forward to the big day, he’s excited to cross the finish line and celebrate how far he’s come. “Crossing the finish line will be proof of how far I’ve come, not just in kilometres, but personally,” he says.

“It will be a really proud moment, especially as it’s supporting a cause that matters to me. I’ll celebrate with my kids, the people who have supported me, and probably with a cold Steinlager…before deciding what the next challenge is!”

The funds raised by Chris will help the Mental Health Foundation of NZ to create and distribute vital resources and advocate for a better mental health system.

Show your support for Chris: Donate here.