Mental Health Matters 5k & festival 2025
May 18, 2025
McAlpine Creek Park
Join us Sunday May 18th, 2025, rain or shine, for Mental Health Matters 5K, Kids Run, & a Post-Race Community Festival to create awareness for mental health.
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, and more!
Mental Health Matters is a 501(c)(3) non-profit with a mission to create awareness and reduce stigma associated with mental health through fun and engaging community events.
Whether anyone wants to admit it or not, mental health affects all people of all ages, it is just as important as physical health and it does not discriminate.
Unfortunately mental health has been declining and suicide rates continue to rise. This event is aimed to raise awareness in a fun and inviting way for all members of the community.
There will be music, food trucks, small business vendors, and local mental health resources.
This event isn’t just a race; it’s a powerful movement to break the stigma surrounding mental health. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or taking your first steps toward the finish line, your participation sends a resounding message of support and solidarity. Every stride you make helps amplify the conversation on mental health. Don’t just race – make a difference! Grab your spot, invite your friends, and know that with each and every step you are helping to move towards a healthier community.
We’re doing something radical and different, making a difference for a brighter future.
Together lets raise awareness and end the stigma.
Things to Know/FAQ for 5K & Fun Run Participants
Course:
The 5K and Fun Run course is packed gravel. No Hills are on the course, please see the attached course map on the site
Pups are welcome to race *must be well behaved/used to runs in large groups and comfortable in this type of environment – will start at the back of the racers! Walkers will start behind racers as well and we will inform everyone on race day.
Medical Support:
We will have one EMT/Paramedic on site.
Should you need medical attention at the finish line, let a volunteer know and you’ll be escorted to the EMT. Announcements can always be made as well. Any life threatening emergencies should call 911.
Water:
Bring your pre-race water! There will be one water stop along the 5K course.
We will also have a post race water table with bananas/oranges for all our 5K and fun run participants.
Parking:
We recommend carpooling if possible. The park has a large parking lot with 240 asphalt parking spaces. However with the large number of attendees as well as festival we recommend ride sharing! Park Rangers will be assisting with parking flow. Perfect Balance Training Center will be our overflow parking, directly across from the park and will have a sign out front.
Overflow Parking Address: 8850 Monroe Rd, Charlotte, NC 28212
Check-in:
Once parked, walk across the bridge to the fields. Check-in at the shelter for packet pickup.
Bathrooms: the park has a mens & women’s restroom at the very entrance of the park, on the left side when entering the parking lot. There will be port-a-potties at the field with one ADA compliant where the event takes place.
Gear Check:
There will be no gear check as the parking lot is close to the race start! Please make sure to keep any personal belongings, such as extra clothes for post race and other items in your parked vehicle
T-SHIRTS
Shirts are ordered based on the sizes indicated during online registration. If you feel you need to switch sizes we will try to accommodate you AFTER the race only. We will not switch or trade sizes during packet pick up.
Post race festival: Don’t leave after the 5K the fun has just begun! We highly recommend bringing a change of clothes to leave in your car as well as some form of payment for shopping/supporting local vendors.
Invite your friends and family as this festival is a FREE community festival open to the public and we want our Charlotte community to show up and show out!