Ultramarathon runner aims to go the distance to support Student Minds

A passion for ultramarathon running has led Professor Mark Simpson, Teesside University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, on a mission to clock up the miles to promote awareness of mental health charity Student Minds.

He will take on the challenge of the Hardmoors 200 in May, a 200-mile single stage ultramarathon which must be completed in 60 hours.

It’s not the first time Professor Simpson has donned his running shoes to complete an ultramarathon run to raise awareness and raise funds for Student Minds.

Last summer, he completed the gruelling Summer Spine, a 268-mile race along the Pennine Way also in support of the student mental health charity.

Professor Simpson said: “Student Minds is a charity which works with universities to improve mental health services for students. We want our students to achieve the very best they can and give them the support they might sometimes need.

He added: “Universities are small eco-systems of society and many of the issues and challenges we see in society also exist in university communities. Mental health is something we need to talk openly about.

“Teesside University is one of a small number of universities to have the Student Minds Mental Health Charter, which reflects the importance we place on mental health and wellbeing. It also acknowledges the investment in services and the innovative ways in which we support students throughout their time with us.”

The Hardmoors 200 ultramarathon starts in Hull on 22 May, following a route along the River Humber and Transpennine Trail towards the Yorkshire Wolds Way, along hills and valleys to the coastline and moorlands of the Cleveland Way National Trail and North York Moors, before ending in the market town of Helmsley.

In addition, he is also completing a series of Hardmoors races throughout this year as part of the Hardmoors Grand Slam.

Professor Simpson said: “I’ve been an ultradistance runner for eight years and it’s something I absolutely love. It both helps me mentally in terms of processing problems and issues but also being out in nature is a really good way to relax and switch off.

“The ultradistance running community is a lovely, supportive community. When you’re out running and see the sun setting or rising, it’s nature at it’s very best.

“I’m also privileged to have such a strong level of support from the University. We excel in areas of sport and exercise, sports therapy, physiotherapy, strength and conditioning, and the advice I’ve had has been extremely helpful.”

Professor Simpson is the University’s Incoming Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Designate and will take up his new role in September.

---