Registration Opens For Canton Road Race Supporting Student Mental Health

CANTON, MA — Registration is open for a Canton road race supporting student mental health programs across the school district.

The fourth annual Champions of Wellness Road Race will begin at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22, at Canton High School. The 5K run and walk costs $25, and organizers hope to attract 150 participants.

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The race began in 2023 to raise awareness of the mental health challenges teenagers face and support initiatives aimed at improving student mental health in all Canton schools.

"This race is important to the Canton community because it is a community-based event that raises awareness for mental health," Canton High School senior Sophie Regan said. "By connecting our school to people in our town we are able to reach a wider audience and help smash the stigma more efficiently."

Canton Public Schools supports several wellness initiatives, including Unity Day for fifth-grade students, the Yellow Tulip Hope Gardens project, guest speakers and mental health awareness events at athletic games. Some programs vary each year based on recommendations from student leaders in the high school's Active Minds group.

Active Minds also partners with mental health organizations such as Morgan's Message and KyleCares. The group awards scholarships to three members of the Canton High School senior class each year.

"We encourage all students to participate, and we encourage CHS teams to do it as a team-bonding event so that this race is also a visual representation of the support system we are trying to achieve in our school," Regan said.

Adam Hughes, Canton's pre-K-12 wellness coordinator, said the race has grown each year and described its impact on students and learning across the district as "incredible."

"The support of the Canton community for this event has been outstanding every year," Hughes said. "We are looking forward to continuing the partnership and relationship with our community to help bring awareness to student mental health education so that our students can have access to valuable learning that will benefit their life and the lives of those around them."

Participants can register for the Champions of Wellness Road Race online.

See Also:

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