The 12th annual Lilly’s Lope for Hope, the 5-kilometer race and fun run that raises money and promotes awareness of youth suicide, is scheduled for Saturday at Philomath City Park.
The timed 5K is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. but the event kicks off at 9 a.m. with check-in and on-site registration. A community resource fair featuring local agencies that serve youth and teens and a fundraising raffle will run from 9-11 a.m.
Organizers invite participants of all ages, including those with strollers or wheelchairs. Children under 3 are free.
The annual event is named in memory of a Philomath High School student, Lilly Stagner, who died by suicide in 2013. Funds raised help provide mental health counseling, support and suicide prevention education for Benton County youth.
“Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among young people,” Bettina Schempf, Old Mill Center executive director, said through a press release. “Lilly’s Lope brings the community together each year to support our youth and erase the stigma of receiving mental health services. Our goal is to prevent future tragedies and create hope by supporting young people when they need it most.”
Old Mill Center for Children and Families provides a range of early education, physical and mental health services to children and families in Benton and Linn counties. The Corvallis-based nonprofit was founded in 1977.
For more information or to register online, visit the event’s webpage.