Heavy Breathers, Our Story.

The Heavy Breathers is a group of Dunedin lads raising awareness and funds for men’s mental health in Aotearoa. Since starting in 2023, we have used the Dunedin Emerson’s Marathon as a platform to encourage connection, conversation, and support around an issue that continues to affect thousands of Kiwi men.

Across 2023 and 2025, The Heavy Breathers has raised approximately $150,000 towards men’s mental health initiatives. What started as a group of mates taking on a challenge together has grown into a movement focused on supporting one another and breaking the stigma around mental health.

This year, we are proud to be working alongside Lads Without Labels, a youth-led charity focused on creating safe spaces for young men through community, connection, and open conversation. Many of our boys worked with them last year and saw firsthand the positive impact they have across New Zealand.

For 2026, our goal is to raise $25,000 and collectively run 15,000 kilometres leading up to the Dunedin Emerson’s Marathon on the 13th of September.

The Heavy Breathers is about more than running, it’s about mates supporting mates and making sure no one feels like they have to struggle alone.