Breaking the Silence Around Men’s Mental Health
While runners are well-accustomed to discussing physical injuries and sharing their aches and pains in great detail to whomever will listen, conversations about mental health — especially among men — remain far less common. The Man of Valor movement seeks to challenge the stigma surrounding men’s mental health, launching its third annual run from Johannesburg to Durban on 3 December.
The Origins of Man of Valor
The movement began as a light-hearted dare from Andre Miles to his friends, but it was rooted in personal tragedy. Nine years ago, Andre lost his older brother to suicide after years of silent struggle with mental health challenges. Ironically, Andre responded to this tragedy by suppressing his own emotions and silently burying his grief. When the pain finally caught up with Andre, he realised that he needed to break the code of silence, “The realization hit hard. In my silence, I left my brother to fight his demons alone.”
Determined to prevent others from experiencing the same isolation, Andre decided to undertake a run from Johannesburg to Durban—not only as a physical challenge, but as a symbol of endurance, healing and brotherhood. He explains, “What began as a personal journey of redemption became a movement for all men struggling in silence. In a world that tells men to ‘toughen up’, the Man of Valor movement reminds them that true strength lies in vulnerability, in speaking up, in choosing life.”
Growing a National Movement
Jabaar Schroeder, another group member, reflects on the history and impact of Man of Valor: “Since our first run three years ago, Man of Valor has become a growing national force — a brotherhood on a mission. Through runs, workshops, bootcamps, and open conversations, Man of Valor is breaking the stigma around men’s mental health — one step, one story, and one man at a time.”
Their inaugural run was just done for men’s mental health awareness but for their second run in 2024, the group set a fundraising target of R40,000. Through dedicated social media and community efforts, they raised an impressive R140,000 by the time they reached Durban. These funds supported counselling sessions, awareness talks and training for first responders within local communities.
This year, the programme has expanded to include Mental Fitness Bootcamps in Johannesburg and Durban, directly assisting four men currently facing depression and suicidal thoughts.
The 2025 Team and Their Mission
The 2025 team comprises 9 runners: Andre Miles, Yasien Meinie, Rafick Schroeder, Demetriou Miles, Jabaar Schroeder, Shaun Davids, Lance Retief, Joshua Victor and Clayton Williams. Supporting them are a four-man crew – Wayne Francis, Mark Gilbert, David Johnson and Keanu Van Reenen – alongside Jody Miles, who manages medical and media duties.
Collectively, these runners have completed 32 Comrades Marathons, 8 Two Oceans races, 5 Full Ironman events, and numerous other ultras and marathons. This year, they aim to cover the 704km journey in 74 hours, running 5km relay legs during the day and 8km at night, with two runners on the road at all times. Every rand raised will fund their mental health initiatives.
A Message of Hope and Solidarity
The Man of Valor team shares a powerful message for all men:
Man of Valor is more than a run.
It’s a reminder that you are not alone.
That it’s okay not to be okay.
That your story matters — and that there’s strength in sharing it.
We don’t run for medals. We run for meaning. For every man still fighting his silent battles. For every brother we’ve lost. For every life we can still save.
Follow their journey on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, and contribute to their cause on Back-a-Buddy.
Afterword: The Importance of Mental Health Awareness
Many runners devote themselves to charitable causes, but the Man of Valor movement resonates deeply, particularly in light of personal losses to suicide within the running community. This year, the writer lost a schoolmate to suicide, and several years ago, a former Fourways Road Runners club captain took his own life. Both were outgoing, friendly men with loving families, seemingly thriving in life.
Annually, 700,000 people die by suicide worldwide, with 14,000 deaths in South Africa alone. Men are four to five times more likely than women to end their own lives. For men under 40, suicide is the leading or second leading cause of death (after accidents). Despite its prevalence, suicide remains a difficult subject that deserves greater attention.
If you are struggling with your mental health or experiencing suicidal thoughts, remember you are not alone—support is available. Reaching out to a trusted friend, family member or professional can make a life-changing difference. There is strength in seeking help and taking that first step may be the most important stride towards healing and hope. Let us continue to break the silence and support each other, because every life truly matters.
No matter what you are going through, remember: the world is a better place with you in it.
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Very good article Stuart. I sure a lot of your followers are with you on that one.