Out of the Darkness Obstacle Course Fun Run or Walk Sept. 9 in Tea

For communities across the state and the nation, suicide is a hard subject to broach. Statistics from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) show that suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, and according to the National Center for Health Statistics, suicide is the second leading cause of deaths among adolescents 15-19 years of age.

Suicide prevention is something that more and more people, organizations and businesses are getting involved with. Suicide prevention is the umbrella term for the collective efforts of local citizen organizations, health professionals and related professionals to reduce the incidence of suicide. One way that a local business is helping in this effort is to bring awareness of the issue through the event “Out of the Darkness Obstacle Course Fun Run or Walk.”

The event, sponsored by Fitness First of Tea, will take place on Saturday, September 9 at the Tea City Park. The timing coincides with National Suicide Prevention Week, which is September 10-16, 2017.

“This is something that affects us all either directly or indirectly at some point in our lives. Along with our amazing Fitness First of Tea members, local business partners, and the community of Tea, we want to help increase awareness and raise money for a great organization, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). AFSP is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. We hope to see everyone at the park on September 9th,” said Tory Johnson, owner at Fitness First.

The proceeds from the event will be donated to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Other local businesses helping with the event include Inflatables Adventures, who are donating the obstacle course, and Octane Ink, who is donating the T-Shirts.

The Out of the Darkness Obstacle Course Fun Run or Walk on September 9 will begin with registration at 3:30 p.m. with the event starting at 5 p.m. with staggered start times. The Obstacle Course Entry Fee is $25 for persons 14 years and older and $15 for persons 13 and under. The entry fee for the Walk will be $10. Hot dogs and chips will be served free with registration and be available for a free will donation for all others.

The entry form is available online at the Fitness First of Tea Facebook page or at the business located at 510 E Figzel Ct., Tea. For more information you can call 368-2893.

For those in need of help please contact The Suicide Prevention LifeLine at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), this is a free, confidential, 24/7 service.

Please know, you are not alone, people want to help you.