Join the X the Stress Virtual Event to raise awareness around the important role of exercise in mental health. This event will celebrate you in achieving the goal that you set for yourself. In April 2026, Gwen Hobson will be participating in the Legendary Marathon des Sables, a 267km self-supported foot race through the Sahara Desert in Southern Morocco. Her mission: to raise awareness around mental health through the “X the Stress” Campaign. Mental health is a rising public health concern, with over 25% of South Africans suffering from depression and 18% suffering from anxiety. There is a growing body of robust scientific evidence that exercise can be as effective as medication in the management of these disorders. Exercise also improves cognitive function and delays aging of our brains. Over time, consistent exercise will build confidence, create a sense of achievement, and improve resilience - all of which play an important role in supporting mental health. Gwen would like to invite you to support her in raising awareness around mental health by joining the X the Stress Virtual Event. Once you sign up, you will be able to commit to completing your chosen distance during the month of April. This could be running, walking, cycling, swimming, rollerblading – whatever exercise you enjoy. As you complete kilometres, you will virtually move along the map of the route that Gwen will be running in the Marathon des Sables. All proceeds from the event will go to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), an NGO which plays a vital role in supporting mental health in South Africa. Everyone who successfully completes their own challenge will receive a digital certificate celebrating their achievement. Optional finishers medals and tubular bandanas will be available for purchase. Any additional donations which you may like to make in order to support the excellent work being done by SADAG will be very gratefully received.

To sign up for the challenge, please click here!