1 wheelchair event in Charlotte, North Carolina

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

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 trucks, vendors, petting zoo, yoga, acupuncture, and more! Plan to bring a form of payment to enjoy these amazing vendors and support CLT small businesses!