Northern Michigan University WellBeing to Commemorate World Mental Health Day With 5K

MARQUETTE, Mich., Sept. 17, 2024 – Northern Michigan University WellBeing today announced that will host “Wildcat World Mental Health Day” on Thursday, Oct. 10, coinciding with World Mental Health Day, an effort by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.

The day of, as well as the days preceding Wildcat World Mental Health Day, will feature programming related to mental health awareness and resources hosted by WellBeing Promotions and the WellBeing Center, culminating in the Mind Over Miles 5K. The 5K run/walk event, sponsored by the WellBeing Center and Northern as part of its 125th anniversary celebration, will begin at the WellBeing Center before taking participants on a scenic loop around the edge of most of Northern’s central footprint, and finish back at the WellBeing Center.

“Wildcat World Mental Health Day and the Mind Over Miles 5K are great opportunities for us to demonstrate Northern’s ongoing commitment to the health and wellbeing of our student body and campus community,” said NMU President Brock Tessman. “As we continue our implementation of the Okanagan Charter and address our first ‘grand challenge’ of supporting people, we are grateful for events like Wildcat World Mental Health Day to host thoughtful programming that address the holistic needs of those who call Northern home and inspire dialogue about mental health.”

The first 100 registrants for the Mind Over Miles 5K will receive a complimentary T-shirt. Registration is free and closes Oct. 7, however limited same-day registration will be available from 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. before the race begins at 5:30 p.m. The course cut-off time is 7 p.m.