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
9:30 Drop-In Yoga
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 vendors, petting zoo, and more! Plan to bring a form of payment to enjoy these amazing vendors and support CLT small businesses!*
Registration fees
Where pricing applies, shown amounts include mandatory charges, items, and fees.
Kids Dash/Fun Run Closed
For kids and all abilities wanting to participate in a shorter distance. Event shirt & medal included.
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$18.04Aug 27 - May 17
5K Closed
Online registration closed-
Event shirt and medal included
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$34.09
Early Bird Pricing
Aug 27 – Nov 30 -
$39.44
Winter Pricing
Dec 1 – Feb 27 -
$44.79
General Pricing
Feb 28 – Apr 29 -
$46.93
Race Month Pricing
Apr 30 – May 16 -
$50.14
Race Day Pricing
May 17 – May 17
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5K - Sleep-in-Supporter Closed
Online registration closed-
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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$34.09
Early Bird Pricing
Aug 27 – Nov 30 -
$39.44
Winter Pricing
Dec 1 – Feb 27 -
$44.79
General Pricing
Feb 28 – Apr 29 -
$46.93
Race Month Pricing
Apr 30 – May 16 -
$50.14
Race Day Pricing
May 17 – May 17
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RACE DAY DETAILS
Location and Arrival:
Event day: Sunday May 17th
Location: McAlpine Creek Park
Address: 8711 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28212
**Please note this event is rain or shine, *
Race Event Schedule:
Visually Impaired 5K Start Time: 8:55 AM
5K Start Time: 9:00 AM
Drop in yoga: 9:30 AM
Awards Ceremony: 10:00 AM
Fun Run Starts: 10:30 AM
Festival until 12 PM
5K PACKET PICK-UP and FUN RUN SHIRT PICKUP:
Pre-race packet pickup details: Friday, May 15th at Charlotte Running Company Promenade
5355 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy, Suite 200 Charlotte, NC 28277
Time: 3pm to 7pm
Go next door to The Local Scoop for our custom race ice-cream!
Race Day Packet pickup: Sunday May 17th at McAlpine Creek Park
6:30am-8:50am
Packet Pickup is under the pavilion!
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 Novant Health EMTs on site during the event. Announcements can always be made. 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 for all our 5K and fun run participants.
Parking:
We recommend carpooling if possible. There will be parking on site in both the asphalt and grass parking spaces.
Overflow: 8517 Monroe Rd.
Please arrive with plenty of time to park and walk to start line!
Bathrooms: The park has a 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 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.
*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
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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Platinum
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Silver Sponsors
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Bronze Sponsors
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Community Partners
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Marketing
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