About the event

Starting on the 1st March , you'll have 27 days to complete your challenge to run 27 miles. You can do this in your own time and at your own pace,  in whatever way feels most comfortable for you.

Get involved

Join the student running revolution raising money for better mental health.

• Step 1: Join the 27 27 challenge by registering on this page. Complete the registration form and it will automatically help set up a fundraising page for you to collect your donations on.
• Step 2: Plan your 27 miles over 27 days. You can do this in whatever way feels most comfortable for you, in your own time and at your own pace. We've got a running guide to help you get started with running plans for beginners, intermediate and experienced runners if you want more support.
• Step 3: Get fundraising and when you receive your first donation, we will send you a 27 27 Mind t-shirt to complete your run in. To thank early bird fundraisers we have 1000 exclusive 27 27 shoelaces for those that start fundraising straight away.
• Step 4: Complete your challenge in March, and if you raise at least £27, you’ll receive your exclusive finisher’s medal.

Never forget that you're doing something incredible, raising money and awareness for mental health.

Sign up to 27 27

How we'll support you

Whether you are a seasoned runner or a first-timer, Mind will be with you every step of the way. We offer all our runners a fantastic support package:

• Your own Mind contact on hand to answer your questions and guide you through your challenge.
• Weekly emails packed with fundraising inspiration and the difference your fundraising makes.
• A bespoke 27 27 t-shirt when you receive your first donation.
• Access to our 27 27 Facebook group.
• A gorgeous 27 27 medal for anyone who raises over £27.
• A guide on how to get started and a running guide for newbies.

Why Mind?

More students are experiencing mental health problems than ever before. The number of students reporting a mental health problem is five times greater today than it was ten years ago, while the number of students dropping out because of mental health problems has trebled.

Every student taking part in the 27 27 challenge is sending a clear message: it's time to take our mental health seriously, and we won't give up until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect.

Mind provides a national voice and local support for anybody experiencing a mental health problem. We campaign against discrimination, fight for better services, and offer information and support. By taking part in 27 27 you're raising awareness of student mental health and helping us be there for the 27% of us who report a mental health problem while at university.

 

If you're looking for support for your own mental health have a look at our student mental health info pages.

 

This year we would like to say a huge thank you to our incredibly talented student film makers who created the content for our 27 27 adverts.

Taking on the 27 27 challenge in a pandemic - Lewis's story

"I couldn’t go to the gym or outside to continue my challenge. Fear not, I had a backup plan"

Read Lewis's story