26/07/2026
Hello everyone,
I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Donald Macaskill, although most people know me as Caskie.
For quite a while now, I’ve been talking with friends about starting a running group that combines running with improving mental wellbeing in a non-competitive, safe space where the goal isn’t the running itself, but helping our minds feel a little better.
It’s a place where we can share what’s on our minds while others simply listen. You can talk about anything you feel comfortable sharing, or just come along for the run.
I’ve been running for around seven years, and I genuinely believe it has had a hugely positive impact on my own mental health. Running with others gives us the chance to chat about how our day has gone, how life is treating us, or simply how we’re feeling… although I have to admit we often end up talking about food!
That said, many of us face tough times with our mental health, and peer support in a safe space can really help. I can say that from personal experience, with gratitude to those who have supported me.
After a conversation with a friend, I came across an organisation called Run Talk Run. Their mission is to make both movement and mental health less intimidating and more accessible. After speaking with Ben, the Regional Leader, I decided I wanted to start a Run Talk Run group in Stornoway.
I’ve now completed the training and all the necessary paperwork, and we’re almost ready to get started. We’ll meet at the same place, at the same time, every week, and follow the same route. The only thing that will change is the weather!
Our run will be around 5km, at a pace that suits everyone. We’ll always go at the pace of the slowest runner, and no one will ever be left behind.
As the Run Talk Run Stornoway Group Leader, I look forward to meeting you soon. Details of our launch date, meeting time, and route will be shared very soon. I will also be joined by two other leaders who will support this initiative and will look to introduce them both soon.
To read more about Run Talk Run, please visit: https://www.runtalkrun.com
Yours sincerely,
Donald Macaskill
Run Talk Run Leader
Stornoway
