On Sunday 4 May, Chris Rodgers will be taking part in the half marathon at the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run, dressed head to toe in PPE (personal protective equipment) as part of a 500-mile challenge to help reduce suicide rates in the construction industry.

Chris, a construction health and safety lead, is running a half-marathon every week between 1 January until Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September 2025, spanning 36 weeks and covering 500 miles. He is wearing full PPE throughout, which includes protective glasses, gloves, a hard hat, full overalls and safety boots – while also carrying a flag bearing the words ‘Be a Mate. 500 miles for 500 lives. I need to hear your support, this hurts!’

After a 10-year career in the Army, Weston-Super-Mare-based Chris was discharged on medical grounds following surgery on both his legs. He has since followed a career in construction and was spurred to take on his challenge when reading about the shocking statistics relating to poor mental health in the sector.

“On average, 500 people who work in construction take their lives every year. When I read that statistic, I looked at my 14-month-old daughter and imagined what would happen if suicide took me away from her. I wanted to do something to raise awareness and that sparked the idea of running 500 miles for 500 lives,” explains Chris.

“Those 500 people are fathers, brothers, sons, cousins, mothers, sisters, daughters and friends who take their own lives. I thought about their families and how that changed all their lives too. We need to make a change!”

All funds raised through Chris’s running challenge will be donated to Mates in Mind, a charity that raises awareness and addresses the stigma of poor mental health, including supporting the development of positive mental wellbeing within the workplace. The charity works with several industries, including construction, and offers support to individuals who are struggling with their mental health.

“I worked with Mates in Mind in a previous construction role and I was impressed at the training they offer to managers and the work they do around the country. It’s about prevention rather than reaction,” explains Chris.

“My biggest goal in this challenge is to help start the conversation about suicide and mental health within the industry. I’ve been all around the UK with my job and I’ve seen people struggle for all kinds of reasons, whether that’s through the challenges of being self-employed, or from working away from their home and family or due to some of the other pressures that can come with working in construction.

“I want people around the country to see what I’m doing and start a conversation about mental health. I’m posting on Instagram and TikTok throughout my challenge and a lot of my content is about educating people on mental health and talking about suicide.”

Following the surgery on his legs, Chris was told he may never run again, but he has built his strength and confidence over the years since and felt ready to take on the challenge. The PPE he is wearing is to Arc Flash Protection standard, which offers enough protection to allow him to enter an electricity substation.

“It’s the highest PPE standard you can get,” he says. “It’s definitely tough and I’m doing all I can to avoid any injuries along the way. Running in windy weather while carrying the flag has been tough, but the boots are the worst. They’re steel toe-capped and weren’t designed for running!”

During some of weeks of his challenge, Chris is covering the half marathon distance through a series of two or three runs, while during others he’ll be taking part in half marathon events around the country.

“I ran a lot during my Army career and, when I recovered from my surgery, I enjoyed playing football, but I’ve never done as much running as this. It’s physically tough, but it helps me mentally. The amount of people who have reached out to me so far has opened my eyes to how much work people are doing to improve things and what this cause means to so many people.”

Chris will be joining thousands of runners from across the Midlands and beyond at the AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run on Sunday 4 May.

Thousands of runners will take to the streets for this iconic event, celebrating fitness, community spirit, charity fundraising and the energy of Birmingham. With the biggest event in a decade expected, this year’s run will see 16,000 charity fundraisers, first-time participants and seasoned half-marathon runners come together for an unforgettable weekend.

This year there’s an added attraction to Great Birmingham Run Weekend with a “Super Saturday” at the city’s Alexander Stadium as hundreds of children will get to run the world-famous running track, home to Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games records and heroics from some of the greatest athletes in the world. The Junior and Mini Great Birmingham Runs take place on Saturday 3 May.

Last year’s AJ Bell Great Birmingham Run sold out in advance and the same is expected for 2025 so entering early is advised. To secure your place at the start line, visit: greatrun.org You can follow Chris Rodgers’ journey and donate to Mates in Mind here: linktr.ee/500miles500lives