Join us for the 5th annual 5K for Mental Health Awareness at Central Lakes College (CLC) on Saturday, April 25, 2026. This event is co-hosted by CLC and Crow Wing Energized (CWE) to raise awareness and support for mental health in our community. Along with the 3.1 mile run and 1 mile walk, there will be a resource fair showcasing a variety of mental health-related resources in the Lakes area. Each year a portion of the proceeds are donated to organizations or programs that support mental health and well-being. This year, the designees will be Reel North Alliance and Central Lakes College RAK(Random Acts of Kindness Club).
This is a family-friendly event; children ten and under can participate free of charge. Strollers and friendly dogs on leashes are welcome! If you are not a runner, you can join us for the 1-mile walk option. Finisher stickers for all and age group awards for winners.
Our hope is that we can normalize the conversation surrounding mental health and help community members become aware of the many resources and programs that are available in our Lakes area. Our organizations believe that mental health is every bit as important as medical health. When we make it okay to talk about our mental wellness and normalize receiving help, we are promoting a culture that no longer stigmatizes these issues.
During registration we ask our participants how does running/walking help your mental health? The most common answers are that it clears their mind, reduces anxiety, and that being active calms them down. These answers are the reason we encourage everyone to come and join us! What would your answer be?
Event details:
5K FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
DATE: Saturday, April 25, 2026
TIME: 7:30-8:30 onsite registration – 9:00 Race Starts
LOCATION: Central Lakes College Brainerd Campus
COST: $30 adults (19+)/$10 for students (5th-12th grade or CLC students) until April 23rd.
Race Day: $35 race day registration or $15 for students
*Must be registered by 4/15/2025 to be guaranteed a t-shirt!
REGISTRATION: 5k Run & 1 Mile Walk for Mental Health Awareness – Crow Wing Energized
Author is Kara Schaefer
