Employees Surpass 100,000 Miles Through "Miles for Minds" Challenge

During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, 130 colleagues across 12 Florida Crystals and ASR Group sites logged more than 13,000 miles through our annual Miles for Minds challenge, pushing the program past 100,000 cumulative miles since its start in 2021—the equivalent of circling the globe more than four times!

“Colleagues participated in a range of activities throughout the month — walking their dogs, swimming laps at the pool, running and cycling on vacation, commuting to work on foot or by bike, and fitting in treadmill sessions before and after the workday,” said Will Hodgson, Trainee Solicitor based at our Bedford Street Office in London, who spearheaded this year’s initiative through his role on the Europe Sports Committee. “Miles for Minds also encouraged active commuting as a way to reduce our collective carbon footprint, making every mile count in more ways than one.”

Employees across time zones and continents exchanged tips, shared photos from their activities and found motivation in each other throughout the friendly competition.

"As the weather gets better and the racing season begins, it's always nice to have extra motivation to train and to see what sort of bike rides colleagues around the world get up to," said Thomas Sutton, FP&A Manager, based at our Tate & Lyle Sugars Thames Refinery.

Natalie Mayer, Research Technologist II, also based at the Thames Refinery, said being active outdoors helps her slow down and reset.

“I find it's the being outside in nature that helps me,” she said. “Finding time to slow down when out on a walk, noticing things like birds, flowers or clouds and realizing you're part of something much bigger than yourself helps put things into perspective and relaxes me.”

Daniel Cavazos, Director of Rice & Organic Farming at Florida Crystals’ Agricultural Center of Excellence (ACE), said cycling has become an important part of his daily routine and overall wellbeing.

“Not only does it keep me healthy and fit, but I have taken it to the next level by competing in local events,” he said. “The competitive aspect keeps my endorphins high and creates a sense of satisfaction for my mind and body. Healthy competition and structure have really helped me perform on and off the clock. Staying consistent and balanced is the key to success.”

The Lisbon Refinery and Operations department led all participants in total miles logged, with more than 5,000 miles and 6,000 miles respectively. Throughout the month, employees were also recognized weekly for top mileage and most improved — a reminder that progress, at any pace, is worth celebrating.

Congratulations to our winners in each category: Evelyn Hopkins, who walked 129 miles; Vusie Mamba, who ran 290 miles; Antonio Pinto, who cycled 760 miles and Phil Freeman, who swam 7 miles.

“With more than 100,00 miles now behind us, Miles for Minds has grown into something larger than a fitness challenge,” said Will. “It’s something our colleagues around the globe look forward to each year that inspires them to stay connected — and active — all year long. Congratulations to everyone who took part, and thank you for every mile!”