Please join Westerville Education Challenge (WEC) at McCann Stadium on August 26th for the Night of Hope. We will be hosting a 5k walk/run and 1 Mile Dash on Westerville North High School's cross country course as well as a children's Fun Run on the track. This will be an inclusive and accessible event to celebrate the lives of those we've lost to suicide while providing resources to serve those in crisis. Money raised from the event will provide direct mental health support in Westerville City schools and community such as Hope Squad in the high schools and Twinkle the Canine Companion. We hope to see you there!

About the Course

This 5K and 1 Mile will take place at Westerville North High School on their cross country course. A cross-country course is not paved and takes place entirely on grass and earthen pathways. Walkers are welcome, but please do refrain from walking side-by-side in the woods so that others may pass easily. If you have a jogging stroller that works well "off-road", that would be a great option. A traditional stroller would not be a good fit for this course.

Event Schedule

• 5:30 pm Open Packet Pick-up/Day of Registration
  
• 6:15 pm Family Fun Run Start
• 6:45 pm 5K Start
• 6:50 pm 1 Mile Walk Start
• 8:00 pm Luminaries and Program

Shirts and Awards

All participants who register by August 12 for the 5K and 1 Mile Walk will be guaranteed to receive a shirt in the size they ordered during registration.

Why Participate?

WEC is hosting this event to promote community, education, and unity to raise awareness about mental health and to combat mental health stigmas.

Since 2009, Westerville Education Challenge has impacted over 10,000 students in Westerville City Schools through the support of programs like Challenge Day, Middle School Transition Events, Middle School Culture Summits, mentoring clubs, teacher grants and its newest initiatives, Hope Squad, Parent Prep and Social-Emotional Resource Center (SERC). Over 1,500 community volunteers and forty corporate and community sponsors partner with WEC, and together have contributed thousands of volunteer hours and raised over $350,000 in donations.

Interested in taking part in the event as a Sponsor?

Get your product, service, or organization in front of Central Ohio health and fitness enthusiasts. If interested in becoming an event sponsor or exhibitor, please contact Laura Hammer at laurakehoehammer@gmail.com or Kevin Ford at kmford2016@gmail.com.