RAPID CITY, S.D. – A dozen runners will begin a 437-mile journey across South Dakota this month to raise awareness and funds for mental health and suicide prevention. The 437 Project will kick off its run with a community event on Wednesday, Sept. 24, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Rapid City. The run is a continuous, border-to-border relay that will take place from Sept. 25-28, with runners and a volunteer caravan taking turns running across various terrains and weather elements.
The kickoff event in Rapid City is from 6-7 p.m. Mountain Time. The public is invited to meet the runners, hear from former Major League Baseball player Drew Robinson, and enjoy complimentary food and beverages. Robinson, who survived a suicide attempt in 2020, is a guest speaker at the event.
The 437 Project was founded on the belief that physical and mental wellness are deeply connected. The mission is to support the Helpline Center, the only accredited suicide crisis center in South Dakota. Last year, the project raised more than $300,000 for the center. Donations provide support for those who have lost a loved one to suicide and help connect them with resources and support groups. The funds also allow the Helpline Center to train staff to identify individuals at risk of suicide and provide life-saving assistance.
Among the 12 runners participating in this year’s event are several community leaders from across South Dakota, including Mayor of Sioux Falls Paul TenHaken and journalist Dan Santella of KELOLAND News. Other runners include Kyle Blakeslee, Tony Goettsch, Riley Knutson, Lisa Lemon, Bennett Mcintosh, Tony Nour, Laura Ringling, Kristina Schaefer, Lexie Warejcka, and Israel Zinns.