The Miles of Smiles initiative returned to Dundee city centre last week, continuing its weekly focus on mental health awareness, visibility, and community connection.
The latest activation saw Marius Coste, Facilities Management leader at Elior at work, and representative of Elior UK operations, take part in the run through Dundee dressed as Superman.
The initiative once again attracted spontaneous public engagement, with pedestrians stopping to interact, smile, and respond positively to the presence in the city centre.
Civic and community engagement
Support for the initiative was shown by civic leadership, including the Lord Provost of Dundee, reflecting continued recognition of grassroots wellbeing activity within urban communities.
Local engagement also played a key role, with community participant Stef Brown joining the route, running alongside the initiative and involving her family and dog in the activity.
Business and wellbeing insight
The initiative reinforces themes increasingly relevant to employers and organisations across the UK:
- The importance of visibility and approachability in leadership
- The role of informal, human-centred engagement in wellbeing
- The value of consistency in community and workplace culture initiatives
- The impact of small, positive interactions on mental health awareness
These align with growing organisational focus on employee wellbeing, retention, and culture development.
Impact to date
Since June 2025, the initiative has delivered:
- 2,769 km completed
- £3,017 raised for charitable causes (plus £7,000 previously raised for mental health initiatives)
- 216 cold-water therapy sessions
- 48 cold-water immersion dips
Funds and awareness continue to support the Scottish Association for Mental Health and Clan Cancer Support.
Business relevance
For organisations across Aberdeen, Grampian and beyond, the initiative highlights key considerations for modern leadership and workplace culture:
- Embedding wellbeing into everyday organisational practice
- Encouraging visible, values-led leadership
- Supporting community engagement as part of CSR strategies
- Recognising the cumulative impact of small, consistent actions
Closing insight
The Dundee activation reinforces a simple but consistent message: meaningful connection often comes from small moments, and consistent presence can have lasting impact.
In business and in communities alike, visibility and human connection remain key drivers of wellbeing and engagement.