An Ultra Fun Run? Surely a contradiction in terms. Not at all, according to the bigmoose mental health charity organising their second annual bigmoose Ultra Fun Run in Cardiff's Bute Park on Sunday 13 April 2025.

From an embryo of an idea by staff member Jeff in April 2023 – the plan was to fill Bute Park with the iconic bigmoose orange spotty T-shirts on the backs of fundraising fun runners – more than 1,000 people gathered on 14 April 2024 in support of raising awareness for mental health. It was an unforgettable day of running, sharing incredible stories, and being together as one amazing community. Together they showed that every step counts in the journey towards better mental health.

Before we get into the fun part, there is a serious side to all this shared endeavour. In 2023 in England and Wales, 6,069 people died by suicide. We all need to take action to stop this figure from growing. bigmoose is a mental health charity providing fast and accessible therapy to people who are struggling. They are working tirelessly to help save and change lives every single day.

The bigmoose Ultra Fun Run event is a chance for you to make a stand for mental health. Organisers are calling for 6,069 people to represent each one of the lost lives, raise awareness, and start the conversation about mental health.

Registration costs just £15 including a bigmoose spotty running tee, a medal, and the chance to change lives. Entrants are encouraged to fundraise and there is a special Pay it Forward scheme, whereby when signing up you can donate in £5 increments to cover a ticket for someone who can’t afford it. Your contribution goes into a pay-it-forward pot, enabling others to join for free.

The fun part is the freedom to pick your distance from 5K to a 50K Ultra. Entry is open to everyone. Whether you walk, run or race there is no pressure – just by taking part you are not just completing a running event, you are becoming a lifeline for someone in need and making a stand for mental health awareness and support.

For further information visit the bigmoose Ultra Fun Run website here.

Race details at the runABC South race listing here.

Photo courtesy bigmoose Ultra Fun Run 2024