Moving forward, together

Speed Freaks Charitable Trust harnesses the power of running and connection to support people recovering from addiction and mental distress. Led by volunteers, it offers a safe, non-judgmental community where people can move towards healthier lives together.

Recovery from addiction and mental distress can be isolating. Speed Freaks offers something different: a community that meets people where they are and uses running and walking as tools for recovery, connection and wellbeing.

Speed Freaks became a registered charity in 2021, but its story began earlier in Ōtautahi Christchurch. While working with a residential addiction treatment service, founder and social worker Anna Christophorou started the first running group. Today, 130 volunteer coaches and peers have run and walked alongside thousands of participants. There are now 36 weekly running and walking groups across the motu, in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, Te Tai Poutini West Coast, Taranaki and Whangārei, with Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington coming soon.

Along the way, the Speed Freaks community is helping to challenge the stigma surrounding addiction and create space for courageous conversations about mental health, recovery and community wellbeing.

Recovery is a whānau journey

When Richie first met Speed Freaks, he was in the early stages of recovery at Nova Trust Residential Programme and described himself as closed off. Today, he says he is “approachable, confident, someone who has improved dramatically.” He runs the Christchurch trails in the Port Hills each week.

He earned his Speed Freaks T-shirt in January 2023, and it carries real meaning. When he wears it, he says, he feels “whānau, support, dignity and some honour”.

One of the clearest expressions of the Speed Freaks kaupapa is its recognition that addiction affects whole whānau, not only the person in recovery. Richie’s mum, Lindy, joined the group while he was struggling, and both say the shared experience has strengthened their relationship.

“People focus on the person with addiction, but Mum had it just as bad, if not worse than I did. Families don’t get the support that’s needed, support that lets someone know they’re not out there alone.” – Richie

Lindy says one of the hardest parts of standing beside someone experiencing addiction is being judged for their behaviour. Speed Freaks gave her a place where she could simply belong.

“I’m walking for recovery and for my mental health - to not be living in that distress zone I lived in for years.” – Lindy

Together, the pair have found a way to talk about the past without shame or accusation, and to look forward.

Movement that makes a difference

Spead Freaks founder Anna Christophorou says research is increasingly affirming what the community already knows through experience: movement can support recovery from addiction and strengthen wellbeing.

“Running offers so much in support of recovery from addiction and increased wellbeing,” she says. “Research increasingly shows reduced cravings, increased dopamine and serotonin, and benefits for neuroplasticity and brain health. In early sobriety, these are key areas needing support and the benefits extend far beyond the brain.”

For Anna, that also means feeling present in your body again, grounding yourself through movement, and connecting with nature and other people.

“It is a parallel process of small steps, challenges and setbacks to overcome, with the most wonderful community cheering you on.” – Anna Christophorou

Run for a Reason

The Speed Freaks’ upcoming Run for a Reason event brings this kaupapa to life, inviting people to run, jog or walk together to celebrate those making brave changes, support people who are struggling, and remember loved ones lost through addiction or suicide.

It is more than a run. It is a visible reminder that nobody has to walk their journey alone.

Event details

10:00-11:30am, Sunday 8 November

Locations:

• Hansen Park Ōtautahi Christchurch
• Lovelock Track Mt Roskill War Memorial Park, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
• Cass Square Hokitika, Te Tai Poutini West Coast
• Virtual Participation Available nationwide