It was an exciting day for the Marblehead Rotary’s 5K for Mental Health on Sunday, November 2. A record 200 runners participated, raising around $45,000 to support the Inner Explorer mindfulness program in Marblehead Public Schools. Last year, only 153 people took part.
Nancy Gwin from the Rotary said, “This was absolutely our best event ever!” They even ran out of t-shirts for the first time.
The race started and finished at Crocker Park, winding through the town’s historic district. One reason for such a large turnout was Board of Health member Tom McMahon. He promised to donate $25 for every runner who beat his time. Despite a quad injury, he finished 15th with a time of 21:38.
“The race went really well,” McMahon said. “The fast runners showed up, especially from the cross country team. They were impressive!” He donated $350 to the program for the runners who outpaced him.
High School cross country coach Will Herlihy claimed first place with a time of 19:18. Kristin Gendron had the best women’s time at 20:27, even pushing her two kids in a stroller.
Among the notable runners were:
- Isaac Durand: 2nd place
- TJ Waters: 3rd place
- Eleanor Morgan: 11th
Increased interest in mental health issues may have contributed to this year’s success. The Mental Health Foundation notes that participation in events like this helps raise awareness and normalize conversations about mental health.
It’s essential for communities to stay engaged in these discussions, especially considering recent studies. One survey found that nearly 1 in 5 Americans experienced mental health challenges last year. Programs like Inner Explorer provide vital support to children and families, making events like the Rotary’s 5K crucial.
For detailed race results, you can visit my.raceresult.com/355504. To learn more about the Marblehead Rotary, check out their official site at marbleheadrotary.com.
