Watertown Glacial Lakes SAFE Hosts 2026 “Live in the Path of Hope” Mental Health Awareness Event

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Glacial Lakes SAFE is inviting residents from across the area to unite for mental health awareness, honor loved ones, and support community healing during its annual “Live in the Path of Hope” event on Wednesday, Sept. 9.

The evening event begins at 5:30 p.m. at the South Dakota Army National Guard Readiness Center on Highway 20. Centered around the rallying theme “Hope Grows Stronger. Every Journey Matters,” the annual gathering offers multiple ways for community members to participate—whether by walking, running, rucking, volunteering, or standing in support of others.

New Features: 5K Ruck and ‘Hope Bibs’

In addition to the traditional 5K run and 2-mile walk, organizers are introducing two new interactive components to this year’s lineup:

·        5K Ruck: Participants can carry 5 to 10 pounds in a backpack as they complete the 5K course. The physical weight symbolizes the unseen emotional and mental burdens many individuals carry daily. During the closing ceremony, participants will set down their packs together—serving as a powerful community reminder that no one has to carry life’s challenges alone.

·        Hope Bibs: Attendees will have the opportunity to create personalized “Hope Bibs” by completing the prompt “HOPE GROWS STRONGER...” Participants can use their bibs to honor a loved one, reflect on their own journey, or share inspiring words to build a collective message of resilience.

Call for Volunteers and Community Stories

The gathering will feature a closing ceremony that includes a symbolic balloon release and community readings. Glacial Lakes SAFE is currently seeking community members who would like to share their personal stories during the event, assist with the balloon release, participate in ceremony readings, or volunteer to help manage event logistics.

T-Shirt Preorders and Registration Info

Commemorative “Live in the Path of Hope” T-shirts are available for preorder now through Thursday, August 20. Orders can be placed online for event pickup or direct mailing through Fast Threads.

To register for the 5K run, 2-mile walk, or 5K Ruck, submit a personal story, sign up as a volunteer, or learn more about the schedule, visit the official event page at glsafe.org/annual-suicide-awareness-event.html or connect with Glacial Lakes SAFE on Facebook.

Read more local & state news at www.northeastradiosd.com/news

Subscribe to the DAILY newsletter & download the LOCAL online RADIO app - https://zurl.co/QipXd