Course

We are offering 2 different courses at Barboursville Park this year. We will have Hershel "Woody" Williams VAMC staff and volunteers stationed along the race route to help direct participants through the course.

5k Run: This timed 5k will give runners an opportunity to compete for an award in the overall race and against runners in their age group. The race will start and end at near Shelter 8 and Lake William.

1k Walk: This untimed walk will allow people to participate in our event and show support without the pressures of running in the 5k! This walk will consist of one lap around Lake William. 

Please see the Park Map for additional details about the routes.

Entry Fees

This event is FREE for all who attend!

The Hershel "Woody" Williams VAMC is excited to host this run/walk to raise awareness for suicide prevention and to remember those who have died by suicide. Please come enjoy the day with us at Barboursville Park! We are requesting that you register by noon on 9/25/2026 so we can accurately track our participant numbers, however you can also register in person prior to the start of the race.

Age Groups

Group 1: Ages 1 to 11

Group 2: Ages 12 to19

Group 3: Ages 20 to 29

Group 4: Ages 30 to 39

Group 5: Ages 40 to 49

Group 6: Ages 50 to 59

Group 7: Ages 60 to 69

Group 8: Ages 70 and up

Awards

The top overall male and female category runners will receive a specially minted First Place medal!

The top male and female runners for each age group will receive a Veterans Crisis Line Challenge Coin. This unique token is a time-honored military tradition, and a unique way to commemorate your participation in our event.  Please see the following article for an introduction to Challenge Coins!

A Brief Look at the History of Challenge Coins in the Military

https://www.medalsofamerica.com/blog/a-brief-look-at-the-history-of-challenge-coins-in-the-military/

Charity Information

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is on a mission to end suicide among Veterans in communities across America. Approximately 11 of the 17 Veterans who die by suicide each day are not receiving care from the Veterans Health Administration. We need your help to reach them. We invite you to share your insights, experiences, and resources to shape public health initiatives that support Veterans at risk. One Veteran death by suicide is one too many. It’s time to act — Are you with us?

Our goal is that the 6th Annual Hershel "Woody" Williams VAMC Suicide Prevention and Remembrance Walk will help to bridge the gap between our at-risk Veterans, community partners, and VA resources to ensure that no Veteran feels alone. Help is available, but the burden should not fall entirely on the Veteran to seek services. We have a responsibility to REACH OUT and offer support to those in crisis. By reaching out to help, communities can send the message that they value these individuals and their service. Connecting with fellow Veterans to spread the word about mental health and suicide prevention resources makes Veteran wellness a community priority.

****No donations are accepted for this event. Our goal is simply to raise awareness and create a community to reach out to Veterans at risk for suicide.***

More Information

Veterans, family members, and care providers can initiate a free and confidential conversation with an experienced and caring VA responder by calling the Veterans Crisis Line. If you are concerned about the safety and well-being of a Veteran, Dial 988, then Press 1. Chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat to get support anonymously. A text message can also be sent to 838255 to connect to a VA responder. These resources can be used even if a Veteran is not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care.

Suicide Prevention is everyone's responsibility!

Sponsors