Hope Network raising mental health awareness with 51K run/walk challenge
By: FOX 17
and last updated 2021-05-01 16:34:09-04
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. â Hope Network is inviting community members to take part in the Mental Health Awareness Month Virtual 51K Challenge.
The nonprofit tells us the challenge invites participants to walk or run 51 kilometers (or roughly 31 miles) by the end of May in reverence of the 51.5 million Americans who suffer from mental illness.
Weâre told the event is the first in the 2021 One in Five Series, which consists of four events that raise awareness for mental health.
âThe pandemic has taken a toll on our physical and mental well-being,â says Hope Network Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kiran Taylor. âThe world will never be the same, and the emotional impact of this is limitless and touches all ages.â
Grand Rapids Business Journal
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With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, Hope Network is inviting people to get moving with a free monthlong program to benefit mental health.
The Mental Health Awareness Month Virtual 51K Challenge begins Saturday and runs the entire month. Participants are invited to run or walk 51 kilometers (approximately 31 miles) throughout the month, honoring the 51.5 million people who live with a form of mental illness in the United States.
With May having 31 days, participants can break up the distance however they like and would need to average about 1 mile per day. There is no cost to participate, and those who take part are encouraged to invite friends and family to donate in support of their challenge.