Lincoln running group aims to break mental health stigma

August 22, 2026 - 09:07

A running group born from personal loss is making strides in Lincoln to change how people talk about mental health. Miles That Matter was started by four local men who were close friends with Jake, a man they lost to suicide. What began as a way to cope with their grief has grown into a community effort to encourage honest conversations and physical activity as a path to wellbeing.

The group meets regularly for runs of different distances, welcoming everyone regardless of pace or experience. The founders say the simple act of running side by side creates space for people to open up about what they are going through. They believe that too often, men especially feel pressure to stay silent about their struggles, and they want to offer an alternative.

Each mile they cover is dedicated to breaking down that stigma. The group also shares resources and stories from members, aiming to show that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. While the pain of losing Jake is always present, the men have channeled it into something constructive. They hope that by showing up week after week, they can help others feel less alone and remind everyone that it is okay to ask for support. Their message is simple: no one has to run their race by themselves.