RAPID CITY, S.D. — A movement for mental health will take its first steps in Rapid City this month, as The 437 Project begins its 437-mile run across South Dakota to shine a light on suicide prevention.
The kickoff event is set for Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 815 E. Mall Drive. The evening is free and open to the public, offering families and community members a chance to connect with runners, volunteers, and advocates working to save lives.
This year marks the fourth annual 437 Project, which benefits the Helpline Center, South Dakota’s only accredited suicide crisis center. The run was created to highlight the powerful link between physical and mental health, with participants logging every mile as a reminder that no one has to walk their journey alone.
Each year, more communities join the effort, amplifying the message that help and hope are available. “Every year, as we add new runners, recruit new volunteers, and touch new communities, we are further amplifying a message of hope and raising awareness of the resources available for those struggling with their mental health,” said Paul TenHaken, Sioux Falls Mayor and founder of The 437 Project.
The evening will also feature guest speaker Drew Robinson, who played professional baseball for 12 seasons before devoting his platform to mental health advocacy. Robinson’s story has resonated nationwide after he survived a suicide attempt in 2020 and returned to professional baseball with a new mission: to show that “strength isn’t always physical.” His message encourages vulnerability, honesty, and reaching out for support.
Community members attending the kickoff can expect conversation, beverages, and complimentary food, as well as a chance to stand shoulder to shoulder with those working to end the stigma surrounding mental health.
Organizers say the run is more than an athletic feat — it’s a symbol of resilience and unity. The 437 Project reminds South Dakotans that together, through awareness and compassion, lives can be saved.
For more information on how to attend, donate, or get involved, visit the437project.org.