Queen’s Sport and Staff Wellbeing are encouraging staff to look after their health and wellbeing with a number of incentives already in place through Active Campus, discounted Gym Membership and Physiotherapy, Physical Activity Classes and Cycle+ Scheme.

One of the key pillars of Staff Wellbeing at Queen’s is Physical Health and a run around the river provides an excellent way to look after your physical health while getting out with friends and colleagues.

Head of Queen’s Sport and Physical Wellbeing, Karl Oakes highlights the importance of creating opportunities to draw more people in more often across all areas of the Five Ways to Wellbeing model.

"Regular exercise has a profound impact on both physical and mental health. Initiatives like the Deep River Rock Queen’s 5K are fantastic ways to encourage a healthier lifestyle.

"The Deep River Rock Queen’s 5K, now in its 18th year, is a milestone for many staff who participate in entry-level activities like Couch to 5K or the weekly Queen's Park Run at Upper Malone. Building positive habits year-round is key and developing structured programmes like these support our commitment to fostering healthier learners. They not only promote physical health but also foster a sense of community and support.

"Movement is a key theme of the #QUBeWell Action Plan this year, a campus-wide approach to mental health and wellbeing. Let's keep moving and stay healthy together!"

Head of Diversity, Inclusion and Staff Wellbeing, and keen runner, Conor Curran – who will be representing Ireland over 1500m at the European Masters Indoor Championships in Torun, Poland later this year – encouraged all Queen’s staff to consider participating:

"As we move into Spring, it’s great to start into new, positive habits and to promote our health and wellbeing programme for staff. We hope that by paying the entry fee for 20 members of staff, this might be the kick start they need to start new, healthy habits.

"We are offering ten £15 spot prizes, generously provided by local businesses for all Queen’s staff participating in either the 3km Fun Run and 5km Open run. We will also be sponsoring prizes for the first, second and third male and female finishers, and also the first male and first female teams (four to score) finishers in the 5k Championship Run."

 
How to get involved

Any member of staff who wishes to avail of a free entry for the Queen’s 3km or 5km is asked to register via iTrent by searching for Wellbeing - Queens 3k & 5k Free Space to confirm their place.

Applications will be dealt with on a first come, first served basis.

Staff are asked to email Wellbeing Officer Gary Kane (gary.kane@qub.ac.uk) if they have any queries.

Further information can be found on the Queen's 5K website.