Muscatine is preparing to welcome back the fifth annual NextGen 5K Run/Walk for Mental Health Awareness on Saturday, September 19. The event blends physical activity with a mission of wellness, gathering community members to raise funds and awareness for vital psychological services throughout the region. Festivities begin early at the NextGen Motors lot on Cleveland Street, where participants can enjoy a vendor fair, community yoga, live music, and chair massages starting at 8 a.m.
Following keynote speeches at 9 a.m., walkers and runners will head out for either the one-mile stroll or the full 5K course beginning at 9:30 a.m. The path takes athletes past the HNI Corporation campus and into the scenic trails of Weed Park, turning around near the lagoon before heading back toward the start. Local drivers are encouraged to remain vigilant and slow down during the morning hours as significant pedestrian traffic is expected until noon.
Registration is open now with fees set at 25 dollars for adults and 20 dollars for those aged 17 and under. For those looking to compete, medals will be handed out to the top three finishers in various men’s and women’s age divisions ranging from youth up to seniors over 70. Every cent raised through these registrations goes directly to supporting regional organizations like Micaela’s Hope, Grey Matters Collective, and NAMI Muscatine Programs.
Beyond the athletic competition, organizers view this event as a crucial step in dismantling the social stigma often associated with mental health struggles. By fostering an environment of shared experience and collective action, they hope to inspire hope while securing funding for programs that offer lifelines to struggling individuals and families. Those interested in joining or learning more can reach out to Denise Greenhaw via email or phone for further details.
