6th Annual Love & Lean Walk/Run for Mental Health ~ Results ..

• 5K Run/Walk:- Run 3.1 Miles
• 1 Mile Walk:- 1 Mile Walk

_ The 6th Annual Love & Lean Walk/Run for Mental Health:

LOVE yourself and know that your pain is real, but so is hope.

    &

LEAN on others (family, friends, professionals) for help, because the more you lean, the stronger you grow in mental fitness.

Join us on Saturday, April 23 for the 6th annual Love & Lean Walk/Run for Mental Health! 

This annual event was inspired by the loss of Zach Kroll, a sophomore at Zeeland East, who silently suffered from depression and died by suicide in 2015 at the age of 15. Zach’s family and friends desire to use this heartbreaking and tragic situation to reach out to others and make a positive impact in the community. Through raising awareness, we will all learn how to be more involved and effective in the prevention of suicide and erasing the stigma of mental illness.

NEW FOR THIS YEAR!

We will have 3 options!  Run a 5K.  Walk a 5K.  Or, walk/run a shorter 1 mile route.  Both running and walking are good for mental health! The route will have a variety of terrain, mainly consisting of sidewalks, bike paths, and trails through the wetlands, sports complex and school property.  The route will be lined with memorial pictures, sidewalk chalk inspiration, and encouraging message signs.

GATHERING LOCATION

Zeeland East High School Soccer Field

9900 Riley Street

Zeeland, MI 49464

TIME
8:15 AM        Check-In, Packet Pick Up & Late Registration

9:00 AM        Opening Remarks & Start

EARLY PACKET PICK-UP

Friday, April 22, from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at the Zeeland East High School soccer field.  If you cannot make it Friday night, you can pick up your event packet when check-in begins at 8:15 AM on Saturday.

PROCEEDS

All proceeds will go to the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan and be used for continuing education related to mental health awareness and suicide prevention.  When used effectively, the be nice. action plan - to notice, invite, challenge, and empower - encourages individuals to challenge themselves and others to seek appropriate professional help when they notice mental health changes or concerns. This program equips individuals in schools, businesses, faith institutions, and communities with the knowledge and confidence to take action when it comes to mental health and suicide prevention.

MEMORIAL SIGNS

If you would like a memorial sign placed along the walk to honor your loved one, please email [email protected] with a JPG picture and name by April 4.

WILL THE EVENT BE TIMED?

We are excited to have Ignite Your Event timing company helping us! The 5K route will be chip timed. Please wear your bib on the front of your shirt during the entire race. Immediately after the event, your time for the 5K Walk/Run will be available on the website in these age divisions, for both male & female: 1-10, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+.  Those choosing the 1 mile route will receive an unchipped race bib. 

FAMILY DISCOUNT

When registering 4 or more immediate family members for the 5K Walk/Run, each participant's registration fee will be discounted by $5.  This does not apply to the 1 mile option.

SHIRTS

Event t-shirts are included in some of the registration options. Register by April 4 to be guaranteed an event shirt. Participants that register after April 4 are not guaranteed a shirt.  

CREATE A TEAM  

Create a team on the registration website and recruit people to sign up under that team name. For example - sign up to represent a church, athletic team, extra curricular group, school, class, or in memory of a loved one or friend.  

CONNECT BEADS

Feel connected as a community by wearing the personized bead colors that define your reason for raising mental health awareness. Beads will be available at the event while supplies last.

REFUND/CANCELLATION POLICY

We are unable to issue refunds. The registration fees help cover the investments and purchases involved with this event. We appreciate your understanding.

The event will still be held, rain or shine.  However, in case of severe weather, please watch for an email or social media post regarding postponement or cancellation of event.

ARE PETS ALLOWED ON THE COURSE?

Yes, but for the safety of all runners, we ask that you line up in the “walk” group after the runners have started.

IS THE ROUTE USATF CERTIFIED?

No. We have done our best to map out a 3.1 mile 5K route and a shorter 1 mile route; however, it might not be exact.

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING FOR THE EVENT?

Great! We'd love to have your help! Click on the VOLUNTEER link at the top of page.

INTERESTED IN BEING A SPONSOR?

Please click on the DONATE tab at the top of website for more information.

REGISTER OR DONATE WITH CHECK?

If you would prefer to donate by mail, please send check (made out to The Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan) to 2940 100th Avenue, Zeeland, MI  49464.

QUESTIONS?

Email questions to [email protected].

POST-EVENT:

MEDALS

Finisher Medals will be given to all participants.  

REFRESHMENTS

We encourage everyone to stay and enjoy post-event refreshments, participate in activities and cheer on the final finishers. 
 

GOOD MENTAL HEALTH IS A GOAL

While one of our goalies defends the net, try taking a shot on goal to signify that mental health is just as important as physical health and is part of a winning game plan. Make it past the goalie for a chance to win prizes. **This event is in memory of Zach's cousin, Keaton, who died suddenly in 2019 at age 16 from blood clots in his lungs.  He loved unconditionally and was always willing to help others in need. #lovelikekeaton
 
 
SHARE SOME LOVE  

Receive "get one, give one" cookies (while supplies last), made by the Careerline Tech Center culinary students. Showing kindness and love to others is so important for mental health. Make sure to grab yours on the way out!

STRIKE A POSE

Stop by the be nice. backdrop. Choose a prop, smile for the camera and show your support for mental health.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Follow us at:

Instagram - zakimpact15

Facebook – ZAKimpact

Tag us in any photos and share these hashtags:

#zakimpact #lovelikekeaton #benice #mentalhealth