RSO hosts benefit run
Active Minds hosted its third annual 5k run, which began at 12:30 p.m. on April 20 in front of Smith Mall. All participants paid a $20 fee and received a T-shirt.
According to Secretary and Web Master of Active Minds Meredith Tumilty, the fee helps Active Minds to further its mission of promoting mental health on campus and across the country.
“Fifty percent of proceeds are going towards a nonprofit organization, Aspire [Indiana],” she said. “The other 50 percent is going towards next year’s race.”
Tumilty said that Active Minds wanted the event to be fun for all participants but also to make them think about mental health issues.
“We are trying to increase the conversation about mental health and allow people to be more comfortable talking about it,” Tumilty said. “People don’t talk much about mental health, and what is going on can be prevalent and dangerous.”
Tumilty said that talking about mental health can save someone’s life, because students may know someone who is suffering. Mental illnesses may not be drastic, but they could have a big impact to those who are suffering. According to Tumilty, mental illness is an issue that can affect anyone from any age group.
“This race has been growing each year, and we hope for it to continue,” Tumilty said. “This is a very good way to release stress.”
Tumilty also said that everything was put on by donations from various organizations, including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Mental Health America of Greater Indianapolis, Charis Center, Tara Treatment and Aspire Indiana. Each group had a booth at the event.
Tumilty said that the 5k run was open to the community, and participants could walk, jog or run, depending on their preference. There was a DJ, prizes, snacks, drinks and a bubble wrap finish.
“The 5k route goes around UIndy’s campus and expands out into the neighborhoods surrounding,” Tumilty said. “Usually, we have a great turnout of at least 80 runners each year.”
