The 11th 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, Oct. 19 at Philomath City Park.
Old Mill Center for Children and Families, which is organizing the event, offers online registration through Oct. 18.
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 agencies that serve youth and teens and a fundraising raffle will run from 9-11 a.m.
The cost for individuals in the 5K run is $30 for adults and $20 for youth. A family (two adults, three children ages 17 and under) registration is $70. Groups with four or more runners can register at $20 per adult or $10 per youth. Children under 3 are free.
Organizers invite participants of all ages, including those with strollers or wheelchairs.
Funds raised from the event help provide mental health counseling and prevention education for Philomath and 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, visit the organization’s website.