Course

This year we are trying something new! We are going to be racing around Central Park in Ashland, KY. Our hope is that this will present an exciting new running opportunity to our returning participants and also allow Veterans, families, and community members in a different part of our Tri-State area to get invovled. 

We will have Hershel "Woody" Williams VAMC staff and volunteers stationed along the race route to help direct participants through the course. 

Entry Fees

This event is FREE for all who attend!

The Hershel "Woody" Williams VAMC is excited to host this walk to raise awareness for suicide prevention and to remember those who have died by suicide. Please come enjoy the day with us at Central Park in Ashland, KY! We are requesting that you register by noon on 9/8/2023 so we can accurately track our participant numbers, however you may register in person at the event if needed.

Age Groups

Age Group 1: 1 to 11

Age Group 2: 12 to19

Age Group 3: 20 to 29

Age Group 4: 30 to 39

Age Group 5: 40 to 49

Age Group 6: 50 to 59

Age Group 7: 60 to 69

Age Group 8: 70 and up

Awards

The top overall male and female category runners will receive a specially minted First Place medal! The top male and female category runners runners for each age group will receive a Veterans Crisis Line Challenge Coin. This unique token is a time-honored military tradition, and a unique way to commemorate your participation in our event.  Please see the following article for an introduction to Challenge Coins!

A Brief Look at the History of Challenge Coins in the Military

Charity Information

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is on a mission to end suicide among Veterans in communities across America. Approximately 11 of the 17 Veterans who die by suicide each day are not receiving care from the Veterans Health Administration. We need your help to reach them. We invite you to share your insights, experiences, and resources to shape public health initiatives that support Veterans at risk. One Veteran death by suicide is one too many. It’s time to act — Are you with us?

Our goal is that the 5th Annual Hershel "Woody" Williams VAMC Suicide Prevention and Remembrance Walk will help to bridge the gap between our at-risk Veterans, community partners, and VA resources to ensure that no Veteran feels alone. Help is available, but the burden should not fall entirely on the Veteran to seek services. We have a responsibility to REACH OUT and offer support to those in crisis. By reaching out to help, communities can send the message that they value these individuals and their service. Connecting with fellow Veterans to spread the word about mental health and suicide prevention resources makes Veteran wellness a community priority.

Veterans, family members, and care providers can initiate a free and confidential conversation with an experienced and caring VA responder by calling the Veterans Crisis Line. If you are concerned about the safety and well-being of a Veteran, Dial 988, then Press 1. Chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat to get support anonymously. A text message can also be sent to 838255 to connect to a VA responder. These resources can be used even if a Veteran is not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care.

Suicide Prevention is everyone's responsibility! 

****No donations are accepted for this event. Our goal is simply to raise awareness and create a community to reach out to Veterans at risk for suicide.***

More Information

If you are a community organization or provider, and are interested in having an informational table at this event, please contact the Hershel "Woody" Williams Suicide Prevention Team staff directly. 

      Molly Russell     Molly.Russell@VA.gov          Race Coordinator and Suicide Prevention Case Manager

      Corina Barker    Corina.Barker@VA.gov          Suicide Prevention Coordinator

      Torie Evans        Victoria.Evans2@VA.gov       Commuinty Engagement and Partnership Coordinator

      Mollie Lackey    Mollie.Lackey@VA.gov          Suicide Prevention Case Manager and REACH Vet Coordinator

Sponsors