MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
5K & Festival
May 17th, 2026 | McAlpine Creek Park
Join us Sunday May 17th, 2026, for Mental Health Matters 5K, Kids Fun Run, & a Post-Race Community Festival to create awareness for mental health.
Event Schedule:
9:00 AM - 5K
10:00 AM Awards
Post race party/festival
support our local CLT small businesses and explore mental health and well-being resources
10:30 AM - Kids Fun Run
Get the younger generation of runners going!
Our fun run is something special - if you're finished with the 5K, we want you showing support for all the kids!
This fun run is to empower kids, to remind them that they CAN do hard things!
This event is for kids under the age of 12 and for all abilities wanting to participate in a shorter distance (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 *
Mental health affects all people of all ages, it is just as important as physical health and it does not discriminate. This event isn't just a race; it's a powerful movement to create awareness while finding hope in solidarity.
We hope that whatever you may be dealing with, that running is one of the things that helps you get through the challenging days and that you have the community to support you when you need it.
We all go through times that can challenge our mental health.
Let's normalize that with more visibility and presence within our community as we continue to amplify the conversation surrounding mental health and build a brighter future.
*Invite your friends & family and enjoy the post race party/festival with delicious food trucks, vendors, petting zoo, yoga, acupuncture, and more! Plan to bring a form of payment to enjoy these amazing vendors and support CLT small businesses!*
Registration fees
Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees
Kids Dash/Fun Run
For kids and all abilities wanting to participate in a shorter distance. Event shirt & medal included.
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Register for Kids Dash/Fun Run$18.04Aug 27 - May 17
5K
Price changes in 2 months 21 days-
Event shirt and medal included
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Register for 5K$34.09
Early Bird
Now registering Aug 27 – Dec 28 -
$39.44Dec 29 – Mar 2
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$44.79Mar 3 – May 15
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$50.14May 16 – May 17
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5K - Sleep-in-Supporter
Price changes in 2 months 21 days-
The goal of our race is awareness and visibility for mental health however if you are unable to attend in person please consider supporting from afar.
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Register for 5K - Sleep-in-Supporter$34.09
Early Bird
Now registering Aug 27 – Dec 28 -
$39.44Dec 29 – Mar 2
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$44.79Mar 3 – May 15
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$50.14May 16 – May 17
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Free 5K Training Plans by Flow Motion Running
Download your free 5K training plan by Coach Mike McMillen here: Free 5K training plan download
Coach Mike McMillen Owner of Flow Motion Running:
These specific plans have been designed by Coach Mike McMillen who is a Road Runners of America Level 2 Coach (1 of 8 in the State of NC), US Track and Field Level 1 Coach, and certified Physical Educator, with over 15 years of coaching experience. These plans can serve as a useful guide to kickstart your own training, but no single plan is perfect for everyone, so feel free to adjust it to suit your needs and goals. Looking for something more personalized? Learn more at: www.flowmotionrunning.com
About Flow Motion Running:
Flow Motion Running is a community of runners and certified coaches. With over 80 Personal Records set by our athletes in 2024, we have a proven track record of listening to and understanding our athletes to provide each individual with the support and resources they need to achieve success. From running your first race, to achieving a lifetime Personal Record, we are ready for you. We know it takes a village to bring out the best in each of us, which is why we harness the power of all our athletes to create a team environment. From group runs and team races, to social outings and team webinars that cover various training topics, you’ll have support every step of the way.
Registration Policies
- There are NO refunds for this race if you did not purchase the Refund Protection Program. 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".
Contact information
- Event contact
- Start 2 Finish
Special Thank You to Our Sponsors!
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Community Partners
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