The Mental Health Matters 5K Run and Walk was created in an effort to decrease stigma around mental health challenges, encourage reaching out for help and honor those who have died by suicide.
We know the stigma of mental illness or experiencing a mental health crisis can lead to reluctance to seek help or treatment or prevent family, friends and others from understanding the challenges that exist.
The MHM 5K is led by the families of Jeff Vipond, Blaine Schumacher and Hunter Ackerman, all young men in our communities who died by suicide.
THE EVENT DETAILS
The 5K Walk and Run begins at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Stillwater Coffee Company (1275 North Center Point Rd. in Hiawatha). A virtual option is also available through Sept. 6.
Early bird registration ($30) is open through June 21. Standard registration ($40) is open through Sept. 3. Day-of registration ($50) is open through the start of the race.
Every registrant will receive a high-quality, short-sleeved race t-shirt. Shirts can be picked up on Race Day, no later than 7:15 a.m.
Packet pickup will be Friday, Sept. 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the race's starting location, 1275 North Center Point Rd. in Hiawatha, IA. We would like to have as many as possible pickup their shirts during packet pickup.
HONOR A LOVED ONE
If you would like to honor someone who has died by suicide, please email Marcia Correll at
TWFyY2lhTEMgfCBWZXJpZGlhbkNVICEgb3Jn and Tim Vipond at
dGx2aXBvbmQgfCBnbWFpbCAhIGNvbQ==. Include the honorees first and last name, which will be added to the event program. The deadline to be included is August 22, 2025.
All proceeds benefit Foundation 2 Crisis Services, a nonprofit mental health and suicide prevention agency based out of Cedar Rapids. Foundation 2 Crisis Services provides support approximately 100,000 times per year.
Learn more about Foundation 2 Crisis Services at foundation2.org.
Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Hiawatha, Sports events in Hiawatha.
