Hope and Healing Place to host annual healing half marathon May 11

The Hope and Healing Place (HHP) invites the community to run the distance and help others along their healing journey, with their 15th annual Hope and Healing Half Marathon Race and Relay. The marathon will be held May 11 beginning at 7 a.m. at the Amarillo National Bank Plaza 1, located on the corner of 4th and Polk streets.

The certified track and field course will be timed by Gabe Walker's “It’s about Timing” as runners enjoy the scenic views of downtown Amarillo and past the Oliver Eakle and Woflin neighborhoods, through parks and back to central Amarillo.

Candice Kirkpatrick, Executive Director of The Hope & Healing Place, stated in a news release: "The Hope & Healing Place helps individuals navigate the 'new normal' of life after the death of significant individuals in their lives. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we know exercise improves mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood, improving self-esteem and cognitive function. It makes sense to use a half marathon as a way to raise funds and awareness of our programs to the community while providing an opportunity to improve the health and wellbeing of those who enjoy running. Join us in celebrating memories of what used to be with the hope of a life well lived."

The funds raised through this event will benefit the organization's mission to support bereaved families and helping children cope with the loss of a loved one. According to the organization, unresolved grief can manifest in children's lives in various ways, including depression, isolation, emotional outbursts, and more. HHP provides a safe place for children, teens, families, and individuals to heal and find hope.

As stated by the organization, the benefits from this marathon will benefit their programs in helping those children and their families recover from grief.

During the event, all participants will receive a medal, and there will be additional 1st prize medals and their crowd-favorite, famous birdhouse trophies for all categories.

This event will have a five-hour time limit. Individual runner, 2-person relay, or 4-person relay options are available. Registration to enter is open until 4 p.m. on May 10; no registrations will be allowed the day of the event. To get registered, go online to https://bit.ly/HOPE_2024Marathon .

For more information about HHP, visit them online at https://www.hopeandhealingplace.org/ .

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Hope and Healing Place to host 15th annual half marathon