Highlights From NYRR's Mental Health Awareness Month Celebrations

The Zen Zone at the NYRR Mindful 5K.

To honor Mental Health Awareness Month in May, New York Road Runners hosted a variety of in-person activities, including the second-annual NYRR Mindful 5K, a mental well-being panel discussion with NAMI-NYC at the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, and special Open Run and Striders sessions. These activities helped to encourage New Yorkers of all ages and abilities to run or walk and improve their mental well-being, as nearly one in four adult New Yorkers experience a mental health disorder according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Mental Health Awareness Month Events

NYRR Mindful 5K

We kicked off Mental Health Awareness Month with the NYRR Mindful 5K in Queens on May 3. More than a race, it was a celebration of running’s profound impact on mental well-being. Participants stepped into tranquility in Flushing Meadows Corona Park as they let the greenery guide them to their next personal best. NYRR partnered with NAMI-NYC to offer a Zen Zone, a serene space where runners could participate in live, pre-race meditation sessions, and a new Inspiration Station where participants were able to share what inspires them.

Virtual Races and Challenges

The Virtual NYRR Mental Health Awareness Month Challenge encouraged participants to log a total of 31 miles on Strava in recognition of the impact running has on mental health. The Rising NYRR Mindful Virtual Run invited young runners of all ages to participate in a free virtual run or walk of any distance.

Yoga at the NYRR RUNCENTER

We're happy to bring yoga back to the RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub on a regular basis. On May 29 NYRR Coach Jen Harper led two members-only sessions open to all levels that focused on poses that build strength, stretch tight muscles, and help with recovery. Through fun yet challenging sequence of postures, participants learned ways to calm the mind while moving their body.

The Transformative Power of Running on Mental Well-Being Panel

The conversation was moderated by NYRR CEO Rob Simmelkjaer and featured panelists Zac Clark (Founder, Release Recovery), Carla Murray (Support Groups Manager, NAMI-NYC), and Darleen Santiago (therapist and social worker) as they discussed how running and physical activity has transformed their lives and helped them cope, excel, and persevere.

Open Run Participants and Striders

NYRR hosted the Open Run for an Open Mind series of events dedicated to mental well-being in Marine Park in Brooklyn, Soundview Park in the Bronx, Cunningham Park in Queens, and Morningside Park in Manhattan where representatives from NAMI-NYC led conversations about running and mental health. The Mental Health Awareness Month Striders event series featured a series of events dedicated to mental well-being. On Sunday, May 18, Striders, Open Run captains, and NYRR coaches and staff participated in the 2025 NAMIWalks NYC Mental Health Streetfest, the nation’s largest mental health event.

Open Run participants at the NAMIWalks event.

Striders walking together at the NAMIWalks event.

Mental Health Awareness Month Stories

Mental Health Awareness Month: New York Road Runners Invites You to Move and “Win the Day”

NYRR CEO Rob Simmelkjaer at the NYRR Mindful 5K in Queens.

"May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and I’m inviting every New Yorker—regardless of age, ability or pace—to join me, whether that’s running, walking, or something in between. Millions of Americans experience mental health challenges and there’s a good chance running can help. Exercise boosts endorphins and self-esteem. Not only that, but the CDC estimates adults can lower their risk of depression by up to 20 percent through exercise."

Running Through Grief: Finding Mindfulness Through Movement

NYRR's Kristina Lopez leads meditation at the Zen Zone at the NYRR Mindful 5K in Queens.

"My connection to running has always been tied to the mental fortitude and sense of community the sport provides. I signed up for my first marathon, the TCS New York City Marathon in 2015, when a family member was going through chemotherapy for a rare cancer. After that race, I vowed to never run again! Little did I know that almost a decade later, running and meditation would become pivotal parts of my daily life, helping me deal with life’s toughest moments and finding community along the way."

Set the Pace: Running and Redefining Strength with Shaunta-Maé Alexander

Shaunta-Maé Alexander (pictured left) at the finish line of the United Airlines NYC Half.

Shaunta-Maé Alexander joined Becs to talk about her path to healing and embracing the sport of running even after living with Crohn's disease and surviving countless medical setbacks, including two episodes of paralysis. This past March, she completed the United Airlines NYC Half just two years after relearning how to walk. Peloton instructor Tunde Oyeneyin was by her side telling her to, “Pick your head up. I want you to see the beauty around you.” Plus, Olympian and TCS New York City Marathon champion Meb Keflezighi’s shares personal advice on how to manage the post-marathon and half marathon blues.

Listen to the episode below.

Marathon Mom Carey Socol’s 74 Marathons and Counting

Carey Socol after crossing the finish line at the TCS New York City Marathon.

NYRR member and "marathon mom" Carey Socol joined Set the Pace for a special Mother’s Day episode. A member since 1999, Carey has run 74 marathons and 64 half marathons, many while raising children. She shares how running helped her manage the stress and anxiety that came from working a full-time job while also parenting.

Listen to the episode below.

Free Resources from NAMI-NYC

Mental illness affects us all. One in five New Yorkers struggle with mental illness and The Other 4™ are family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors. For over 40 years, the National Alliance on Mental Illness of New York City (NAMI-NYC) has offered life-changing support, education, and advocacy to families and individuals affected by mental illness. NAMI-NYC offers mental health classes, 40 support and social groups, family mentoring, a Helpline in 180+ languages, and much more.

All programs and services are completely free and available regardless of income, insurance, or immigration status. NAMI-NYC is the only nonprofit providing direct support to family members who have a loved one with mental illness. If you or someone you know is struggling, call the Helpline at 212-684-3264 or visit https://naminycmetro.org/helpline/.