Spring is in the air, and outdoor activities are in full swing in Searcy. There are multiple 5K runs and other marathon events in the community during April, many supporting charitable causes.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The Dr. Robert E. Elliott Foundation will host its annual Stride to Prevent Suicide 5K on April 7. The proceeds from the event will go directly to the foundation, which was established in honor of Robert Elliott, a local physician who died by suicide in 2001 after battling depression. Kimberly Brackins, executive director of the foundation, said she believes the foundation has a powerful mission.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cOur whole mission is to shine a light on the disease of depression and to provide hope to loved ones who have lost someone to suicide,\u201d Brackins said. \u201cWe educate the community about depression and other mental illnesses and to reduce the stigma that\u2019s associated with trying to seek help.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 According to Brackins, many runners participate in memory of a loved one who has died. The events conclude with a butterfly release in honor of those who are gone.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Searcy Rush running organization will kick off its Kids Track Night season on April 9. Tia Stone, president of Searcy Rush and director of the Literacy Lab at Harding, said this event is not a running opportunity for college students, but itis still a great way for students to volunteer.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cThis is just a really positive way to encourage kids to run or be fit or think of exercise as something fun,\u201d Stone said. \u201cIt\u2019s still competitive, but it\u2019s not running as a punishment. It\u2019s really upbeat \u2026 We love to have help from Harding students.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Stone said anyone interested in volunteering should arrive at the Harding track at 5:30 for placement.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 On the evening of April 14, the Child Safety Center will host its annual Glo Run as a fundraising event. Executive director of the Child Safety Center Robin Connell said she thinks itis a good option for a 5K because it\u2019s fun and different from other races.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cChild abuse, specifically child sexual abuse, is an epidemic in our world today,\u201d Connell said. \u201cWe work with over 400 kids a year \u2026 We have it happening right here in White County. From a community perspective, allowing us to do the work that we do, to restore and empower these kids \u2026 it\u2019s not hard to get on board.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Another 5K opportunity is the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) \u201cfun run\u201d taking place on April 28. This organization works on behalf of children in the foster system.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cIt speaks volumes when the community comes out and supports races such as this that have a mission to help foster children,\u201d Laura Burks, executive director of CASA of White County said. \u201cIt says a lot when people are interested enough to come out and give of their time and money to support it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 All races can be registered for online and on the day of the race.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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