Contributed article
SAFFORD — The third annual Safford Lions 5K and 10K Fun Run for Community Mental Health Awareness will be held Saturday, Oct. 15, at Eastern Arizona College’s Discovery Park Campus.
More than 4 percent of Arizonans suffer from significant mental health problems, 8 percent of adolescents and adults struggle with substance abuse disorders, and 17 percent drink excessively, according to Data USA. And Rural Arizona residents have significantly higher rates of death by suicide than urban dwellers.
All profits from the Safford Lions 5K and 10K Fun Run for Community Mental Health Awareness will be distributed locally for mental health services by the Safford Lions Club. Last year’s event raised $3,000, which was donated to the EAC Counseling Center.
Check in begins at 7 a.m., with the Fun Run starting at 7:30 a.m., the 10K at 8 a.m. and the 5K at 8:30 a.m. T-shirts are included in the entry fee of $25 per person. Accompanied children 11 and under are free.
Participants will run, walk, jog or race around the computer timed, 5K groomed path circling Discovery Park. Medals for the top three male and female finishers in the 13-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60 and the 61+ Masters age group categories will be awarded.
With Halloween just two weeks later, the 6 best costumed attendees withget medals. This year’s costume theme is Cosplay.
Registration is available on Eventbrite at Safford Lions 5K/10K Fun Run for Mental Health Awareness Tickets, Safford | Eventbrite or call Mike Garcia at 928-432-1430.
Major support is provided by Eastern Arizona College and United Way of Graham and Greenlee Counties. Additional sponsors include: Mack’s NAPA Auto Parts, Canyonlands Healthcare of Safford, Awakening Recovery Center, Graham County Substance Abuse Coalition, Optimal Health Services, Farmer’s Insurance, Vista Recycling, Country Financial, Thriftee IGA, Carter’s Custom Cuts, Swire Coca-Cola, and Firing Pin Gun and Pawn.
