Mental Health Matters
5K & Festival
May 19th, 2024
McAlpine Creek Park
Join us Sunday May 19th, 2024, rain or shine, for Charlotte's first Mental Health Matters 5K, Kids Dash, & a Post-Race Community Festival to create awareness for mental health.
This event takes place at McAlpine Creek Park in Charlotte, NC.
Event Address: 8711 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28212
Event Schedule:
10:30 AM - 5K
11:00 AM Festival Starts/Opens
*See participating vendors below*
11:30 AM - Kids Fun Run
12:00 PM - Adult Yoga
Presented by Charlotte Pop-Up Yoga
1:00 PM - Kids Yoga
2:00 PM - Adam Church Performance
We will kick off with the 5K timed by Start 2 Finish Events starting at 10:30AM.
The Festival will officially open to the public at 11:00AM and we will begin the fun with the Kids Dash/Fun Run around the pond at 11:30 AM.
The festival is FREE & open to all community members from 11:00AM - 4:00PM!
Mental Health Matters is a 501(c)(3) non-profit with a mission to create awareness and reduce stigma associated with mental health through fun and engaging community events.
Whether anyone wants to admit it or not, mental health affects all people of all ages, it is just as important as physical health and it does not discriminate.
Unfortunately mental health has been declining and suicide rates continue to rise. This event is aimed to raise awareness in a fun and inviting way for all members of the community.
There will be music, bounce house, food trucks, small business vendors, and local mental health resources. Additionally, there will be complimentary Acupuncture by Queen City Acupuncture, Charlotte Pop-Up Yoga Adult & Kids Yoga Sessions, A Zoo To You Petting Zoo, Adam Church Performance, Willow Wagon Photo Opportunities, complimentary leg compression by Restore Hyper Wellness, and more!!
This event isn't just a race; it's a powerful movement to break the stigma surrounding mental health. Whether you're a seasoned runner or taking your first steps toward the finish line, your participation sends a resounding message of support and solidarity. Every stride you make helps amplify the conversation on mental health. Don't just race - make a difference! Grab your spot, invite your friends, and know that with each and every step you are helping to move towards a healthier community.
We're doing something radical and different, making a difference for a brighter future.
Together lets raise awareness and end the stigma.
The party starts at 11:00am!
Be sure to pick up your packet at Charlotte Running Company on Saturday, May 18th if you would like a 10% store discount!!
Pre-race packet pickup: Saturday, May 18th at Charlotte Running Company Promenade
5355 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Suite 200 Charlotte, NC 28277
Time: 12pm to 4pm
Packet Pickup Race Day Sunday May 19th: McAlpine Creek Park
TIme: 8am-10:15am
Registration fees
Kids Dash Closed
For kids 12 and under - dash shirt included.
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$15.00Oct 25 - May 19
5K Closed
Online registration closed-
Event shirt included! Awards will be given to the following categories: Top 3 Male/Female Overall Top 3 Male/Female Overall Age Groups: 19 and under/20-29/30-39/40-49/50-59/60-69/70+ We will also be raffling off prizes by calling registered runners bib numbers at random post race! First 500 registrants will receive a medal with registration *visible by bib color*
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$30.00
Early Bird
Oct 25 – Dec 31 -
$35.00Jan 1 – Feb 29
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$40.00Mar 1 – May 19
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5K - No Medal Closed
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$40.00Oct 25 - May 19
Get the younger generation of runners going!
This will be a fun run for all kids under the age of 12. Inclusive to all (wheelchairs, personal guides, support animals, and other forms of assistance are welcome).
It is never too early to start talking to kids about mental health and we are trying to pave the way for brighter futures for young minds.
Race shirt included with registration and all runners will receive some freebies for participating post race!
**There will be no medals for the fun run**
RACE DAY DETAILS
OVERFLOW PARKING: Please note over flow parking will be located at Perfect Balance Training Center, directly across from McAlpine Creek Park!! Overflow Parking Address: 8850 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28212
Location and Arrival:
Event day: Sunday May 19th
Location: McAlpine Creek Park
Address: 8711 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28212
**Please note this event is rain or shine, but we are hoping for shine! In the event of storms or severe weather we will notify all participants of any cancellations for safety!**
Race Event Schedule:
5K Start time: 10:30 am
We will have finisher medals for all 5K participants as you cross that finish line!
Award Ceremony: 11:15 am
Post-Race Festival: 11:00am-4:00pm
Fun Run: Start 11:30 am
Kids will receive some freebies on race day post fun run!
Pick up your t-shirts at packet pickups* see below
5K PACKET PICK-UP and FUN RUN SHIRT PICKUP:
Be sure to pick up your packet Saturday May 18th at Charlotte Running Company - Promenade for a special 10% in store discount!!! Special swag and freebies on first come first serve basis at packet-pickup!
Pre-race packet pickup details: Saturday, May 18th at Charlotte Running Company Promenade
5355 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Suite 200 Charlotte, NC 28277
Time: 12pm to 4pm
**If you cannot make it Saturday we recommend asking a friend to pick-up your packet to help prevent scrambling at the last minute on race day!
Race Day Packet pickup: Sunday May 19th at McAlpine Creek Park
8am-10am
Check in at Mental Health Matters table for packet pick up
Things to Know/FAQ for 5K & Fun Run Participants
Course:
The 5K and Fun Run course is packed gravel. No Hills are on the course, please see the attached course map on the site
Pups are welcome to race *must be well behaved/used to runs in large groups and comfortable in this type of environment - will start at the back of the racers! Walkers will start behind racers as well and we will inform everyone on race day.
Medical Support:
We will have one EMT/Paramedic on site for 2 hours starting at 10:30am.
Should you need medical attention at the finish line, let a volunteer know and you’ll be escorted to the EMT. Announcements can always be made as well. Any life threatening emergencies should call 911.
Water:
Bring your pre-race water! There will be one water stop along the 5K course.
We will also have a post race water table with bananas/oranges for all our 5K and fun run participants.
Parking:
We recommend carpooling if possible. The park has a large parking lot with 240 asphalt parking spaces. However with the large number of attendees as well as festival we recommend ride sharing! Park Rangers will be assisting with parking flow. Perfect Balance Training Center will be our overflow parking, directly across from the park and will have a sign out front.
Overflow Parking Address: 8850 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28212
Check-in:
Once parked, walk across the bridge to the fields. If you were unable to pick-up your packet Saturday you will be able to do so from 8-10am day of.
Bathrooms: the park has a mens & women's restroom at the very entrance of the park, on the left side when entering the parking lot. There will be port-a-potties at the field with one ADA compliant where the event takes place.
Gear Check:
There will be no gear check as the parking lot is close to the race start! Please make sure to keep any personal belongings, such as extra clothes for post race and other items in your parked vehicle
T-SHIRTS
Shirts are ordered based on the sizes indicated during online registration. If you feel you need to switch sizes we will try to accommodate you AFTER the race only. We will not switch or trade sizes during packet pick up.
Post race festival: Don't leave after the 5K the fun has just begun! We highly recommend bringing a change of clothes to leave in your car as well as some form of payment for shopping/supporting local vendors.
Invite your friends and family as this festival is a FREE community festival open to the public and we want our Charlotte community to show up and show out!
Schedule of events will be posted at the park
Event Schedule and Festivities:
10:30 AM - 5K
11:00 AM Festival Starts/Opens
11:30 AM - Kids Fun Run
12:00 PM - Adult Yoga
Presented by Charlotte Pop-Up Yoga
1:00 PM - Kids Yoga
2:00 PM - Adam Church Performance
Complimentary leg compression and acupuncture
Yoga session (kids and adult - scheduled)
Photo wall opp
CLT Canine Crew Pet Me Dogs
5 delicious food trucks + 6 additional food/beverage carts/vendors
Live music performance
Kids zone: Petting zoo, bounce house, bubble and sensory area, coloring space
70+vendors to shop/support along with resources for mental health and well-being & SO MUCH MORE!
*tag us in your event day photos we want to see the fun and memorable moments from the event. You can tag us on IG @mentalhealthmatters_nc
Restore Hyper Wellness - Rea Farms Location
Is offering ALL registered runners buy-one-get-one-free SQUEEZE & FREEZE (Leg compression and whole body cryotherapy) to every person running the 5K.
Just present your confirmation email for Mental Health Matters 5K with your photo ID at the Rea Farms location and the deal is yours!
Thank you Restore Hyper Wellness!
Take 20% Off at Checkout
We should be able to run without fear of our safety, thanks to our friends at ROAD iD you can receive 20% off your purchase with the link provided.
The link requires an email which will send you a 20% off discount code to use at checkout with ROAD iD safety gear.
Customizable with your name and emergency contacts, ROAD iD is life saving gear for when it matters most.
Thank you ROAD iD for helping keep our community safe!
Awards are locally curated products and certificates
Awards will be given to the following categories:
Top 1 Male/Female Overall
Top 1 Male/Female Overall Age Groups: 19 and under/20-29/30-39/40-49/50-59/60-69/70+
Speed not your thing? You can still win! We will be raffling some items during the event!
Prizes are different for each winner, composed of local products and certificates which could include:
Mood House: Massage, Infrared Sauna
Restore Hyper Wellness: RESTORE Day includes whole body cryotherapy, red light therapy, leg compression +half price IV drip
Moxie Fitness Studio: 5 Class Pack
Charlotte Running Co Gift Certificates
Dilworth Tasting Room: Gift Certificate
Evelyn Henson Gift Certificates
Sunflour Baking Company: Gift Certificates
Jamie Larsen Painting: CLT Skyline
Noxgear: Tracer 2 Safety Vests (2)
Snacks/products selected by:
Reid's Fine Foods
Finicky Foods
Klim's Caramels
Piedmont Pennies
Queen City Crunch
+more
Thank you to all our amazing businesses, we appreciate you!
Registration Policies
- There are NO refunds for this race. Click here for transfer instructions.
- Race Management reserves the right to cancel or modify the event due to unfavorable conditions
- Registration fees are not refundable in the event of cancellation due to "Acts of God".
Follow us on Social Media
Contact information
- Event contact
- Mental Health Matters
Special Thank You to Our Sponsors!
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Gold Sponsor
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Silver Sponsors
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Bronze Sponsors
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Community Sponsors
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Marketing
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