Abstract
BACKGROUND: The Man Walk is a national, community-led initiative promoting men’s mental health, physical activity, and social connection through group walks. Since its establishment in 2018, no evidence has described participant characteristics, engagement, or health outcomes. This study aimed to describe participants’ characteristics, health status, factors associated with health and wellbeing outcomes, and perceived benefits of program. METHODS: A mixed methods design was used, with an online survey conducted in March and July 2025 among Man Walk participants across Australia. Measures included EQ-VAS (self-rated health), PHQ-4 (anxiety and depression), De Jong-Gierveld (loneliness), and AUDIT-C (alcohol risk). Multivariable regression models examined associations between explanatory variables and outcomes. Open-ended responses were analysed using inductive content analysis. RESULTS: A total of 377 men completed the survey. Most were aged ≥ 55 years (66%), partnered (77%), and residing in major cities (58%) or inner regional areas (30%). More than half (54%) reported moderate to high loneliness, and 17.5% and 14.7% reported symptoms of anxiety and depression, respectively. 31% had participated for ≥ 3 years, and 19% joined ≥ 8 walks/month. Emotional loneliness was associated with anxiety (OR = 4.65; 95% CI: 1.93, 12.0), while social loneliness was associated with depression (OR = 5.70; 95% CI: 2.03, 18.8). Longer participation (≥ 3 years) predicted lower odds of depression (OR = 0.30; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.95). Frequent walkers (≥ 8 walks/month) had lower odds of risky drinking (OR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.20, 0.95). The absence of chronic conditions was associated with higher self-rated health, whereas those with emotional loneliness and depression were associated with poorer self-rated health. Content analysis revealed that participants identified the program’s benefits primarily as socialisation (73.2%), followed by mental health support (26.8%) and physical health improvement (26.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The Man Walk engages men at elevated risk of loneliness and mental distress, providing a low-cost, accessible platform for exercise, connection, and mutual support. Sustained participation appears protective against depressive symptoms and health risks. Community-led, male-focused walking initiatives represent promising, scalable strategies to enhance men’s mental health and social wellbeing. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-026-26858-8.