The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Stomping out suicide, a trail run at a time

By

They stomped through the woods — for a great cause.

More than a couple hundred runners and bystanders came out on Oct. 7 to the third annual Stomp Out Suicide Trail Run, hosted by the Pasco County Parks, Recreation, & Natural Resources Department, at Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City.

Iren Taylor, left, and Sarah Gruber, share a laugh while running on the trail at Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City during the third annual Stomp Out Suicide Trail Run, hosted by the Pasco County Parks, Recreation, & Natural Resources Department. The run — that included a 10K, 5K, a fun run and a dog run — is part of the department’s ‘RECreate Your Mind’ initiative, which hosts events to bring attention to suicide prevention. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for those ages 10 to 24. (Mike Camunas)

The event is held to raise awareness to suicide prevention and related mental health issues.

The run was started three years ago as part of the department’s “RECreate Your Mind” initiative, which hosts events to shed light on this taboo and often stigmatized topic.

Department officials and event organizers said the event was created after three suicides in a short span that affected the department and provided more than enough motivation to create the trail run, as well as other events.

Suicide is a national health problem and the second leading cause of death for those ages 10 to 24.

The event included a 10K, 5K and mile fun run, all through the trails near the Withlacoochee River.

Each runner received a finisher medal and T-shirt.

Participants also could do a “Double Stomp” of the 5K and mile run or do a 5K Dog Run. Nearly 10 participants brought their furry companion.

Additionally, race officials encouraged participants to take a blank bib and write down a person and/or reason for why they were out at the event.

Many participants proudly displayed their reasons for being there during the early-morning run.

RECreate Your Mind
Details: The Pasco County Parks, Recreation, & Natural Resources Department hosts events that bring awareness to suicide prevention. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for those ages 10 to 24. The department holds the event with the hope of shedding light on this taboo and often stigmatized topic.
For more information on upcoming events hosted by the department, visit secure.rec1.com/FL/pasco-county-fl or the department’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PascoParksFL.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.

Published October 18, 2023

Fran Garner, left, and Stephane Sorbel make their way down the trail at Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City during the third annual Stomp Out Suicide Trail Run, hosted by the Pasco County Parks, Recreation, & Natural Resources Department, on Oct. 7.
Sharaya Hairston writes on a blank bib prior to the third annual Stomp Out Suicide Trail Run on Oct. 7. Runners were encouraged to write why they were running the 10K or 5K at Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City. The event is held to raise awareness about suicide prevention.
A couple hundred runners, of all ages, participated in the third annual Stomp Out Suicide Trail Run, hosted by the Pasco County Parks, Recreation, & Natural Resources Department on Oct. 7.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alise Minichino, who finished second in the 5K with a 23:52, tries to catch her breath as she receives her finisher medal from Dade City Mayor Pro Tem Normita Woodard.
Gamora, and her owner, Jessica Sohngen, finish up the Stomp Out Suicide Trail Run 10K in 54:16 at Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City on Oct. 7.
Each participant received one of these medals for completing either the Stomp Out Suicide 10K or 5K or both trail runs at Withlacoochee River Park in Dade City.