Into the Light 5K set for Sept. 19 downtown

SaveCenla will host its 10th annual Into the Light 5K Walk/Run on Saturday, Sept. 19, at the Marksville Courthouse Square, bringing the community together to promote mental health awareness, suicide prevention and access to local resources.

SaveCenla works to break the stigma surrounding mental illness and encourages communities to support those seeking help.

Runner check-in will be held from 7:30 to 7:55 a.m., with the competitive 5K beginning promptly at 8 a.m.

Runner registration is $30 and includes an event shirt. Shirts for runners will be mailed to them. Medals will be awarded to first-, second- and third-place finishers in male and female age divisions for participants under 14, ages 14–18 and ages 19 and older.

Walkers may participate free of charge. Those who want an event shirt may purchase one separately.

From 8 to 9 a.m., walkers and other participants may check in and take part in a variety of activities, including bead boards, vendor booths, the memorial list, food tickets, team donations, the memory board, story board, prayer net, team photos, veteran boot participation, silent auction and children’s activities.

A opening program will be held from 9 to 9:40 a.m. on the courthouse steps and will include an opening prayer, flag raising, national anthem and speakers.

The event will include a memorial butterfly release, colored awareness beads and combat boots carried in honor of veterans lost to suicide. Mental health resource booths, a silent auction, music, team photos and children’s activities will also be available.

Food will be available during the event, including jambalaya for $6, popcorn for $1, drinks for $2 and free water.

SaveCenla’s Team Fundraising Challenge invites local groups to raise money for suicide-prevention programs. Last year’s winning team, Javon’s Crew, raised $3,375.

Vendor participation is free for non-food vendors. Food trucks will be charged a $100 fee, but will keep all profits from their sales. Vendors are asked to be completely set up by 7:30 a.m.

The community walk will begin at 9:40 a.m.

At 10:45 a.m. organizers will announce winners for vendor incentives, the silent auction and the team fundraising challenge.

The memorial and butterfly release will take place at 11 a.m. Participants may purchase jambalaya and revisit vendor booths beginning at 11:15 a.m. The event will conclude at 12 noon.

For more information, to volunteer, register as a runner, form a fundraising team, become a sponsor or participate as a vendor, visit SaveCenla.com, call 337-519-1888 or 337-288-0973, or email info@savecenla.com.