April 18, 2024
Shaw Local
NewsSubscribePrep SportsFriday Night DriveObituarieseNewspaperStarved Rock CountryLocal EventsGames and Puzzles

3rd annual Run Today for Tomorrow 5k takes off Saturday in Ottawa

Participants also can participate virtually

By Michael Urbanec

Run Today for Tomorrow is back for its third annual 5K starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 26, in Ottawa. Organizer Emily Yacko (left) accepts a handmade wooden barn quilt donated by Patrick Schmitt to be raffled at Saturday's event. Yacko received several donations from community businesses and organizations, with all proceeds going to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. (Photo provided)

Run Today for Tomorrow is back for its third annual 5K starting at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 26, in Ottawa.

Registration costs $30 and is due before 8:45 a.m. the day of the race, and all proceeds go to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Organizer Emily Yacko said the goal is to bring hope and provide help to those affected by suicide.

“We’re running today because we believe in a tomorrow where everyone is here to see it,” Yacko said in the event flier.

Ribbons are tied on downtown Ottawa light posts to honor those who have lost their lives to suicide. (Julie Barichello - jbarichello@shawmedia.com)

People can join the 5k either in person at its start at 234 Albin Stevens Drive in Ottawa or virtually from their neighborhood, a trail, or a treadmill.

“Whether your participation is in support of the cause, in honor of a loved one, your personal health or your personal struggles, we encourage you to participate and let your reason drive you to the finish line,” Yacko said.

Yacko has received a number of donations from community organizations and businesses, with all proceeds going to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Go to the event’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RunTodayForTomorrow for more information on the event or the donations received.

Yacko organized the first Run Today for Tomorrow in 2018 in honor and memory of her cousin, Molly, who passed away by suicide in June 2018.

There were 1,488 suicides in Illinois in 2019, according to the CDC. Almost five times as many people died by suicide in Illinois in 2018 than in alcohol related motor accidents, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported. It is the 11th leading cause of death in the state.

Anyone who is need of help can call 24 hours, seven days a week the National Suicide Prenvetion Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.