Calling all runners and walkers! Beacon of Hope’s fourth annual Be the light 5k is September 16th, 2023. This year, the event will be virtual and in-person.
Race Description
Join us for this awesome Glow in the Dark 5k! Invest in your own mental and physical health by completing a 5k, learn and spread mental health awareness, and support Beacon of Hope! Beacon of Hope is a non-profit counseling agency, which provides barrier-free counseling at no cost. Our hope is to raise over $14,000 dollars, providing more than 500 individual counseling sessions. So go ahead and hit the signup button in the top right corner to register for the race. Then come back to the home page and hit the donate button in the top right corner to help an individual or family get the counseling they need.
There’s SO much stigma around mental health; a stigma that’s literally deadly. According to the health department, suicide rates in Michigan have increased 150% in the past 10 years, and suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death of people aged 10-34 in the US. That’s right, this isn’t just something adults struggle with. In Ottawa County, 1 in 5 teens have seriously considered taking their lives, and ⅔ of those were less than 16 years old. The National Suicide Hotline reported a 1000% increase in calls during COVID. And that doesn’t even take into account lives lost due to eating disorders, substance abuse, or domestic violence. All of those deaths could have been prevented. According to the National Alliance of Mental Health, 1 in 5 adults struggle with mental health in some way, yet less than half seek help due to stigma.
PLEASE help bring awareness to mental health by supporting this amazing Be the Light 5k race and Beacon of Hope!
Time & Location
Saturday, September 16th from 7:30-9:30pm.
Moran Park W 22nd St
Holland, MI US 49423
Price
$35.00 Race Fee + $3.50 SignUp Fee. Hurry! Price increases to $40.00 after September 7th at 11:59pm.
Event Shirts
Unisex tech shirts will be given to all participants whose registration is received by August 19, 2023, and as supplies last after that date. Sizes offered include youth S-L and adult S-XXXL. Packet pick-up is currently scheduled for Saturday, September 16th from 5:30pm-7:15pm.
Medals
We will be giving away participation "Be the Light 5k Race" medals!