Running Together for a Cause: Here4AReason Suicide Prevention 5K
The vibrant city of Greenwood witnessed an inspiring display of community spirit and togetherness as runners gathered for the Here4AReason Suicide Prevention 5K. Held on a slightly misty Saturday morning, participants felt the cool embrace of the early fog before the sun peeked through, promising a day that symbolized hope and resilience.
The Start of Inspiration
Brimming with energy, a few hundred people assembled at the Greenwood Genetic Center, setting the stage for what was more than just a race. It was a pledge to promote suicide awareness, emphasize the importance of mental health, and celebrate the benefits of physical activity.
Event organizer Beth Justesen expressed her delight, “Each year, it gets bigger and bigger,” she shared, highlighting the exceptional support this event has received, especially from younger participants. This year’s race focused on young students, with many involved through school run clubs. Alongside running, the day featured cheers and motivational shouts from Greenwood High School’s cheer team and football players, creating an atmosphere brimming with enthusiasm.
First Steps to Lifelong Health
“Sometimes, one step is all it takes for good health,” notes the event’s theme, echoing the importance of exercise as a constructive strategy to cope with stress and anxiety. Beth explained, “If positive coping strategies can be learned early on, they can help people for life.” By encouraging exercises like walking and running, the event aims to instill these values from a young age.
Crowning Achievement
Despite the lingering effects of Hurricane Helene, which briefly affected participation numbers, the event saw more than 300 participants register. Among these was Trey Wardlaw, who crossed the finish line first, completing the race with an impressive time of 19:13. JoBeth Hite claimed the top spot among female participants with a time of 23:21.
For many, the race wasn’t just about winning but about personal growth and supporting a crucial cause. Meredith Stevenson, owner of Peak Performance Therapy Services, finished her race with a jubilant high-five to a friend. “It felt great to get back into running after having a baby,” she shared, highlighting her motivation to set a positive example for her clients and support the event’s charitable cause.
A Community United
The Here4AReason 5K is not just a race; it is a celebration of community strength and a powerful reminder of the importance of self-care and mutual support. The crowd’s energy, ranging from pre-teens like Hayden Timmons, who emerged as the first pre-teen finisher, to older participants, all symbolized a united front in advocating for mental health awareness.
Organizers hope to raise between $10,000 to $15,000, with funds supported through community sponsorships. Such robust backing highlights the community’s dedication to a cause that resonates with so many.
Looking Ahead
As the event draws to a close, the bonds forged through shared steps and the resonant message of hope remain. The conditions that morning—a blend of misty fog clearing to afternoon sunshine—acted as a metaphor for the clarity and warmth participants hope to bring to mental health awareness.
In closing, each participant took home not just a sense of achievement from the run but a deeper understanding of the power of community and positive mental health steps. The Here4AReason 5K served as a beautiful reminder: sometimes, the path to healing and health is made up of thousands of shared steps.
