Exercise in disguise: Moving for mental health
Roughly 200 Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Base Ohakea personnel and their families ran, walked, biked or scooted around the base’s runways in support of Mental Health Awareness Week.
09 October, 2025
The airfield was closed on Tuesday for an hour for participants to get around 3.3km and 2.2km loops set up on the runway.
The activity, run by the Physical Training Instructor team, was a huge success, Corporal Luke Crookbain said.
“It was a chance to give people the opportunity of getting fresh air and exercise, which can improve moods. It was like a fun run/walk that can feel like exercise in disguise.
“It gives people a sense of accomplishment if they're not normally out there going for walks or runs.”
The event was also an excuse for friends to catch up and for people to meet new friends, CPL Crookbain said.
People taking part in the event could go as fast or as slow as they wanted to, but some heartier runners reached about 11km during the time available.
“I'd like to see it become an annual activity - we did the same thing last year. RNZAF Base Auckland also did the same event this week and it would be great if next year RNZAF Base Woodbourne also joined in for a tri-base activity.
“I hope it ends up with people thinking they aren’t just going for a walk, but they are going out to support mental health awareness.”
The Base Support Team also supported the event, with a sausage sizzle and fruit at the end, CPL Crookbain said.
