Exeter High 5K Event for Connor Ball

A group is organizing a race later this month in memory of Connor Ball, an Exeter High School student lost to suicide in 2011.

The "A Will to Live 5K and Family Walk" will be held Sat., May 25 at Exeter High. Register for the event here.

It's being organizing by Connor's brother and several Exeter High students.

"Connor was an incredible person with a great future ahead of him," the group, named Connor's Climb, said in a statement. "Losing this gifted young man to an irreversible decision of suicide impacted the family, his friends and the community as a whole."

Money raised through race registrations will go to suicide prevention programs in the state, the group said.

The Will To Live Foundation is also helping organize the event. It was founded by John Trautwein, a former pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. He lost his 15-year-old son to suicide in 2010.

“We are thrilled to see the excitement centered around 'Connors Climb,'" said Trautwein in a statement. "The fact that it was created, owned and implemented by the kids of New Hampshire is what the Will To Live Foundation is all about—increasing the awareness of teen suicide by spreading a message of love among friends and teammates."

Sponsors for the event include:

• Bauer
• Lindt
• Sea View Technologies
• Ironman Fitness
• Access Sports Medicine
• The Monarchs Care Foundation
• Keeping Sound Minds
• Meridian Health Plan
• State Farm Insurance
• Starbucks Coffee