Centerstone’s 17th annual Life;Story Run/Walk will be held Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019 at 7:30 a.m. at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota, Fla.
Centerstone’s Life;Story 5K/10K is an annual event to increase depression awareness while sharing the message that suicide can be prevented.
“We are losing more than 40,000 people to suicide every year in the United States,” explained Melissa Larkin-Skinner, Regional CEO of Centerstone. “Together, we can stop this epidemic by bringing attention to it and letting everyone know that suicide is preventable.”
“We can all help by participating in events like Life;Story.”
The event will feature “Dr. Mac Kids Races” for ages 3-12, and a “Virtual Race” option for those wanting to attend but are unable to do so.
Join fellow runners/walkers as you meander along the park’s pathways, over one of Sarasota’s most celebrated bridges and through a scenic winding route on the western side of the lake. Meeting you at the finish line will be cheering crowds and an inspirational Life;Story ceremony featuring Nik Wallenda followed by a butterfly release.
Life;Story event timeline
- 5:30 a.m. – Onsite registration opens – we run/walk rain or shine!
- 7 a.m. – Dr. Mac Kids races begin with awards at 7:30 a.m.
- 7:30 a.m. – 10K run starts
- 7:45 a.m. – Opening ceremony with a dove release by Sarasota Dove Release
- 8 a.m. – 5K run and walk starts
- 10 a.m. – 5K awards and Life;Story program with featured speaker Nik Wallenda and a butterfly release with Flutterby Gardens
Why should you participate in Centerstone’s Life;Story Run/Walk?
- You’ve been personally impacted by depression
- Raising awareness about depression and suicide prevention is important to you
- You’re eager to eliminate the stigma around seeking treatment for mental illness and addiction
- You want to assure crisis services are available to people experiencing depression
- There’s a competitive edge pumping through your veins
- You enjoy experiencing the outdoors with friendly and kind people
- You like to listen to music, but couldn’t find a run/walk that offered you the opportunity to put on your headphones and go for a run (or walk)
- It’s for charity
How can I participate in the Life;Story Run/Walk?
- Compete in the event
- Volunteer or become a sponsor
- Join the “Virtual Race”
- Watch your kids take part in the “Dr. Mac Kids Races”
- Provide support for a Centerstone service
What is with the semicolon (;)?
A semicolon is a punctuation mark that indicates there is more to come – unlike a period which indicates the end. With every life, there is a story worth telling. Centerstone wants anyone who has been touched by depression or suicide to know it does not represent the end. Whether you have lost a loved one to suicide or have experienced depression yourself, know there is more to come.
FAQs
Do I need to bring my own food and drink?
Breakfast snacks, juice and water will be available at no cost for race participants.
Will I have to pay to park?
Free parking will be available at the race venue.
Will there be prizes?
If you register prior to Aug. 31, you will be guaranteed a race t-shirt. Awards will also be handed out following the races. A participation “goody bag” can be picked up at the registration tent before the races.
I have young ones. Can I bring my stroller?
Strollers are welcome at this event.
Is this a timed race?
The run/walk is chip timed by Fit2Time and is included in the Lakewood Ranch Running Club Triple Challenge.
About Centerstone
Centerstone is a not-for-profit health care organization dedicated to delivering care that changes people’s lives.
Centerstone provides mental health and addictions treatment, education, and support to communities in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee and additionally offer individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities life skills development, employment and housing services.
Nationally, programs for service members, veterans and their loved ones are available as well as employee assistance programs for businesses of all sizes.
Centerstone is also home to a research institute whose goal is to improve behavioral healthcare through research and technology.
Why This Event Is Important To Us
Depression affects 20-25% of American adults in a given year, and only half of those experiencing an episode of major depression receive treatment.
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the US for all ages and the second leading cause of death for Florida residents ages 10-24.
For Florida residents
Centerstone offers mental health and addictions care with facilities in Manatee, Sarasota, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry and Lee Counties. To learn more, visit our Florida page.
Life;Story Contact Information
For more information on the race, call Race Director Doug Schiller at 941-932-6147.
Sponsorship and volunteer details are available by calling Nancy Low at 941-782-4341.
