Lilly’s Lope for Hope

Registration is open for Lilly’s Lope for Hope, an annual 5K run/walk raising awareness of youth suicide and supporting suicide prevention efforts in Benton County.

The timed 5K begins at 10 a.m., with check-in and in-person registration starting at 9 a.m. Participants of all ages are welcome, including those using strollers or wheelchairs. Children under 3 participate free.

Along with the 5K, the event features a Resource Fair with local agencies serving youth and teens, and a fundraising raffle from 9-11 a.m.

Registration, volunteer, and sponsorship information is available at oldmillcenter.org. An early-bird registration discount is available through Sept. 30.

Now in its 13th year, Lilly’s Lope was created in memory of a Philomath High School student who died by suicide. Proceeds from the event help provide mental health counseling and suicide prevention education for youth in Benton County.

Old Mill Center for Children & Families has presented Lilly’s Lope since 2023. “Lilly’s Lope gives our community a chance to come together, talk openly about youth mental health and show young people that they are not alone,” said Bettina Schempf, Executive Director. “Every step helps support access to mental health services and suicide prevention education for local youth.”

Old Mill Center is a Corvallis-based nonprofit founded in 1977. Its seven programs support the social, emotional, physical, and mental health needs of families in Benton and Linn counties.