Mental Health 5K

By: Alexia LaTourette 

May 6, 2025 

   Students, faculty and community members gathered at Colgan early in the morning on Saturday, May 5 for a 5k run. The event aimed to break the stigma surrounding mental illness by promoting unity and wellness throughout the run. Turning strides into statement, the event shined a light on emotional well-being not just of athletes but all the Colgan community.

   Madison Moore, a counselor at Colgan, was one of the leading planners of this event. She said the preparation started all the way back in the fall.

   “At the start of my second year at Colgan High School, I challenged myself to become more involved with students,” Moore said. “I am very passionate about mental health as well as supporting our community, so I merged my goal and passions together to plan a student led 5K to raise money for an organization related to mental health.”

   Moore said the event took a lot of conversations, spreadsheets, and community partners. The run had help from other groups at Colgan, like the leadership 3 class and the mental health club, Morgans Message. The event featured local food venders and organizations, therapy dogs, and the cheer team, all promoting the cause.

   The event had around 150 participants, 18 community partners, and numerous faculty and student volunteers.

   “There was positive energy throughout the entire stadium during the 5K from the counselors, teachers, participants, families, and even the therapy dogs,” Moore said.

   The course was lined with positive posters, teachers, staff and the cheer team encouraging runners as they completed the run.

   “Everyone was happy to be running, and all the volunteers were really encouraging,” said Adriana Caron, one of the Cheer leaders at the run.

   The 5k run intended to normalize speaking about mental health and provide support for those struggling. It created a fun environment for the community to gather together.