The event will be this Saturday at Lovejoy High School.
LUCAS, Texas — While most high school graduates are celebrating the end of one chapter, a group of former Lovejoy High School cross country runners is using their final days together to make a lasting impact.
For their senior project, they organized the annual Running Over Depression 5K and 1K Fun Run, an event aimed at raising awareness around mental health and suicide prevention.
“It wasn’t just about going to school to get the diploma,” said Jackson Reid. “We wanted to connect with our peers.”
These students understand that mental health struggles don’t always come with obvious signs, even among high-achieving students and athletes.
“A lot of people you wouldn’t think struggle with mental health actually do,” said Adam Morefield. “And you might not even know that you’re struggling yourself.”
The CDC reports that more than 49,000 people died by suicide in 2023.
The run was started in 2016 by then-senior Bradley Davis, founder of Running Over Depression, who lost a close friend to suicide.
“It seemed like a good way for maybe everyone to know,” Davis said.
Since then, the event has become a legacy project for Lovejoy’s senior cross-country team, raising more than $50,000 in the past eight years.
Proceeds go to the Grant Halliburton Foundation, a North Texas nonprofit focused on suicide prevention, mental health education, and resources for students and families.
“There could be someone struggling out there that doesn’t want to make it known,” said Davis. “But there are ways to tell warning signs.”
For the students behind this year’s event, it’s not about attention. It’s about action.
“It’s OK to reach out for help,” said Joseph O’Brien. “And to tell somebody if you’re feeling this way.”
The Running Over Depression 5K and 1K Fun Run will take place Saturday, May 31 at Lovejoy High School.