Oxford, AL – Community members from across Calhoun and surrounding counties are invited to Choccolocco Park on Saturday, May 10 for the embRACE What Matters 5K & Fun Run, a morning of fitness, fun, and mental health advocacy. The event will run from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with onsite race registration and warm-ups beginning at 6:30 a.m.
Designed to raise awareness and build community support for mental health, the event welcomes participants of all ages and abilities to walk, run, or simply enjoy the festivities. Families can look forward to free food, bouncy houses, games, local vendors, and a variety of mental health resources—all with free parking and no admission fee for general attendees.
Organizers have made participation accessible with multiple registration options:
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5K Race: $25 general registration or $15 for students. Online registration closes April 30, with in-person payment available the day of.
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Fun Run: $15 with a t-shirt or free without a t-shirt (or for those already registered for the 5K). Begins following the 5K race.
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Sleep In/Virtual 5K: For those who prefer to support the cause from home—$15 registration includes a t-shirt.
The 5K will include 45 awards across multiple categories, including:
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Top overall male and female finishers
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Age group winners (from ages 9 and under to 50+)
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Oldest finishers
The Fun Run will award the top 3 males and top 3 females overall.
This family-friendly event is made possible through broad community support from school Mental Health Service Coordinators, School Social Workers, Jacksonville State University’s Social Work Program, local mental health agencies, non-profits, and vendors. Participating school districts include Calhoun County, Cleburne County, Jacksonville City Schools, and Oxford City Schools.
“This event brings people together to focus on what really matters—mental health, community, and support,” say organizers. “Whether you’re racing, walking, or just cheering on friends, there’s something here for everyone.”
To register or learn more, visit https://tinyurl.com/6ksmbeyh.
Come out and embRACE What Matters—because mental health matters to all of us.
