The phrase ‘mourning running’ has been coined as a way to cope, with over a quarter in Scotland lacing up their running shoes after going through a bereavement.
Jenni Falconer has launched Marie Curie’s Grief Run Clubs(Image: David Parry/PA Media Assignments)
Glasgow-born TV presenter Jenni Falconer has launched a new run club to help with grief after a survey found a huge number of Scots are choosing to run to process the loss of a loved one. The phrase ‘mourning running’ has been coined as a way to cope, with over a quarter in Scotland lacing up their running shoes after going through a bereavement.
The survey revealed the many benefits to the trend, with 85 per cent of runners saying that it helps them clear their minds. Nearly three quarters also said it gave them a sense of control and offered them a much-needed outlet when they were feeling overwhelmed or experiencing emotional numbness, reports the Record.
It also found that nearly two thirds said that running helped them to cry or process their grief, while 83 per cent said they felt more themselves after a jog. In response, Falconer has teamed up with Marie Curie to launch the new Grief Run Clubs, designed to offer support and connection to people navigating bereavement through running.
The TV and radio presenter, who is taking part in the London Marathon in support of end of life charity, said: “I absolutely love running and from personal experience, it comes with significant physical and mental health benefits. When I run my mind feels clear, any stress eases and it’s as if the weight lifts off your shoulders.
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Jenni Falconer launches Marie Curie’s Grief Run Clubs in London’s Battersea park, in collaboration with Run Your Mind, set up to support those experiencing loss after research from the charity reveals that one in four run to process grief. Issue date: Thursday January 8, 2026. PA Photo. The end of life charity, which is the 2026 TCS London Marathon Charity of the Year, is urging runners with a marathon place to join Team Marie Curie and help raise 32m to provide care, comfort and dignity for those at the end of life. Photo credit should read: David Parry/PA Media Assignments
“It’s my mediation time too as it allows time to think, focusing on the positives as opposed to any challenges being faced that day. It has also been proven that physical exercise, like running, can help with processing the complex emotions that arise when experiencing grief.”
The new date also found that half of those who are grieving have avoided asking their loved ones for emotional support, while one in seven feel like they need to handle their grief on their own.
In response, Marie Curie partnered with running community Run Your Mind to host a series of dedicated run clubs for people experiencing grief.
Anyone turning up to a Grief Run Club – held once a month from January to April – will have a chance to connect with others going through the complex emotions of grief and run together.
The charity are also encouraging London Marathon runners to help with its goal to raise £2m “to fund care, comfort and dignity for those at the end of life, and their loved ones”.
Falconer added: “For me, it was a no brainer to run for Marie Curie on marathon day. The charity’s work is so incredibly important, and they will be there to the end supporting terminally ill individuals or people experiencing bereavement. They ensure people don’t face the end of life alone.
“I’d love to see lots more runners with a London Marathon place sign up to fundraise for Marie Curie, as they couldn’t be more deserving. I’m immensely proud to have been asked to run for them.”
You can find out more about Marie Curie x Run Your Mind Grief Run Clubs here.