Campusrun delivers more than sporting achievements: many participants find mental peace

Hundreds of participants lined up at the start of the Campusrun on Saturday. Some were aiming for a fast time, while others simply wanted to cross the finish line or improve their mental wellbeing. “Running is sometimes the reason I get out of bed.”

The tension is palpable on the square in front of Erasmus Sport shortly before the start. Some participants quickly eat a banana, while others do their final stretches. Among the dedicated runners are students taking part in a race for the first time. For them, the Campusrun is not necessarily about setting a personal best, but about taking on a challenge, running with friends or family, or escaping exam pressure for a while.

Exercise against stress

For Economics and Business Economics student Anniek, today is not about a personal best either. “I’m taking part because I wanted to do something fun with my roommate”, Anniek says. “I’d also like to improve my fitness because I run less than I would actually like to. I always feel calmer mentally after I’ve been running. After a busy day, I feel much better. That’s why I want to try to do it more often.”

According to Liesbeth van Rossum, internist-endocrinologist and professor specialising in obesity and stress research, exercise can genuinely reduce feelings of stress. “Sometimes physical exertion is actually a very good way to relax”, says Van Rossum, who is herself a keen long jumper and sprinter. “During exercise, substances such as endorphins and dopamine are released, helping to regulate mood and reduce stress.”

Starting last and finishing first

The starting signal for the ten-kilometre race is given by ‘runfluencer’ Jony Oosterbos. No fewer than 172 participants cross the start line. Fellow students hold up their phones to take photos, volunteers cheer on the runners, and at the finish a line of people is ready to welcome participants with a bottle of water and a medal.

After 35 minutes, the first runner in the ten-kilometre race is already crossing the finish line. It is Oosterbos himself, who started last because he had fired the starting signal. “It feels quite strange to win this race”, says Oosterbos. “You start last and finish first, which is pretty special.”

Oosterbos is a dedicated runner and has also found that running benefits his mental health. “When I’m outside putting in some kilometres, I notice that I feel happier and calmer. I feel much more relaxed when I run. It’s a great form of distraction”, says Oosterbos.

Meanwhile, more participants are crossing the finish line. They receive their medals and quickly find a place in the shade afterwards. Following the ten-kilometre race, ‘runfluencer’ Kenzie Bresser gives the starting signal for the five-kilometre race. Another 151 participants set off.

‘My bright spot in the day’

Jari Slomp, a member of the Campusrun organising committee, is also present today. He hands out bottles of water and makes sure everything runs smoothly. Besides enjoying his role on the committee, he is also an enthusiastic runner in everyday life.

Years ago, Slomp started running on the advice of both his mother and his therapist because he was struggling with depressive symptoms. He did not notice an immediate difference. “The way it was presented to me, it sounded as though I would feel better straight after every training session. It didn’t work like that for me. It was only when an injury temporarily stopped me from running that I realised how much running actually gave me”, says Slomp. “Running is now sometimes the reason I get out of bed; it’s my bright spot in the day. Sometimes it is the solution to stop myself getting stuck in my own head, while on other days I use it to run off feelings of anger or aggression.”

According to Van Rossum, exercise can indeed reduce the likelihood of depressive feelings. “Exercise can sometimes even be regarded as a form of medicine for depressive symptoms”, says the professor.

More self-confidence

By now, many runners in the five-kilometre race are crossing the finish line. International Business Administration student Michal arrives full of enthusiasm. “I’m going through a period of heartbreak. Running helps me clear my mind. While you’re running, you stop thinking about everything else and focus mainly on keeping going”, says Michal. He also finds that sport gives him greater self-confidence. “You see yourself becoming stronger, your fitness improves and you achieve goals you have set for yourself. That feels really good.”

Van Rossum confirms that people often gain more self-confidence through exercise because they feel more energetic and fitter. In addition, people sleep more deeply and better after exercising. “Good sleep, in turn, has a positive effect on mood and emotions”, says Van Rossum.

The final runners are now crossing the finish line and preparations are being made for the prize-giving ceremony. This year’s winner of the five-kilometre race is Olivier Korthals Altes from Rotterdam, with a time of 16 minutes and 33 seconds.