Run The Country Ultra Logo

SUICIDE CROSSES EVERY BORDER.
SO WILL WE.

5TH SEPTEMBer - 1ST OCTOBER
#RTCU

the run

Why is Matt enduring a 1050km run over 21 consecutive ultramarathons?

Matt knows the journey into hopelessness all too well; he’s planned his own destruction twice. 

He changed his mind, choosing to stay – to live – instead.

The run is a demonstration of personal, practical change, showing people how it’s possible to survive depression and even better, avoid a crisis altogether.

''I CHOSE LIFE. I CHANGED MY MIND. NOW I WANT TO HELP PEOPLE DO THE SAME, MAKING CHANGE HAPPEN. RIGHT NOW. TOMORROW. NEXT WEEK. EVERY. SINGLE. KILOMETRE.''

Get Involved

There’s a lot of ways to support #RTCU, from running 1km or further at the start of a day, doing a whole stage, cooking Matt’s meals or simply following the challenge as it unfolds.

Join a run

It’s not Matt’s intention to run 1050km alone; the #RTCU is an opportunity to get out there and run with him. With 21 stages across England, there’s probably a run near you. Join for the 1km warm up, a 5km or further. Stages begin at 07.30am with a Breathwork warm up and then the running starts at 8am. You’ll need to organise your own logistics as the crew cannot ferry you back to the start! The pace will be slow – 6.30-7km/hour in Zone 2.

Explore the routes

learn to run

Running is Matt’s go-to tool for managing his fitness and mental health and he’s on a mission to get as many people running as possible. Matt has partnered with The Secret Run Club, whose unique programme takes people from zero to 5km in 8 weeks. The next group of beginners will start their running journey in July 2021; ping Matt an email saying you’d like to join in.

Join the waitlist

stay in touch

Matt’s newsletter gives you all the latest news about the challenge and access to sponsor giveaways.

Subscribe to the newsletter

 
Do you have an idea ?

Maybe you’ve got an idea about how you can get involved — Matt would love to hear them.

Get in touch

Press and sponsors

From sponsoring the whole run, to supplying kit, or simply telling my story to your audience — there are many ways you, your brand, your organisation can support Run The Country Ultra.

SponsorsHip

From sneakers to underwear, porridge to snack bars — so many brands and organisations are helping CALM save lives. Would you like to sponsor Matt?

interviews

If you’d like to interview Matt for an article or podcast, please get in touch.

Press materials

Download the Challenge Brochure; get quotes and images of Matt, plus Run The Country Ultra logos.

The manual of Hope

If you'd like to submit something for The Manual of Hope — the intended compendium of the #RTCU, please contact Matt, using the link below. The brief is simple. Submit a story, thought piece, mantra, quote or picture that radiates hope.

Latest

Latest blog posts will appear here.

SHOP

Fancy some merch AND contribute directly to CALM? We’ve got 4 stunning #RTCU t-shirt designs. They’re amazing quality, sustainably produced and ALL profits go directly to CALM.

Backing the run

From crew to underwear, there’s so many people, brands and organisations helping CALM save lives.

About Calm

Every day, 18 people in the UK take their own life; 75% of those people will be male. Every day, Matt will run an ultra to ensure CALM are there to rewrite this tragic story.

The Campaign Against Living Miserably is leading a movement against suicide. CALM runs a free and confidential helpline and webchat 7 hours a day, 7 days a week for anyone who needs to talk about life’s problems. £8 covers the cost of a call. Matt is aiming to raise £105,000 £100 every kilometre. Every step will help CALM to make a difference.

 
THE SPONSORS

I am delighted, honoured and humbled to be backed by some fantastic brands that share my desire to spread hope and raise awareness for positive mental health. From underpants to porridge, I am eternally grateful.

THE partners

It is my intention that each of the 21 runs will have an associated partner; an organisation that shares my values and the purpose of this run. I’m going to be motivated by these partners and grateful for them promoting what CALM and RTCU care about; raising awareness and money to saving lives.

THE CREW

It takes more than one person to run the country; it takes a whole crew. Matt is being helped by a group of dedicated people, who all share his ambition for the challenge and the purpose behind it.

Run The Country - RUN logo

Please Donate to calm

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.