Organizers are hoping that the Paly Mind Matters 5K, held at Palo Alto High School on May 10, fostered mental health awareness and sparked change in the community. 

The event was open to everyone from Paly students to community members, where participants walked or ran the Viking Loop. The course wound through the school with five stations relating to various mental health themes.

Paly biology teacher Elizabeth Brimhall, the main organizer of Paly Mind Matters 5K, got the idea several years ago when she and other teachers went on the Overnight Walk for Suicide Prevention.

“When I did that event, I thought it would be great to do something like that on a smaller scale just because there are continuing concerns around mental health for our students,” Brimhall said. “We’ve been doing it for the past three or four years now, and it’s been really great.”

Paly sophomore Kai Bunger-Tang agreed and said that he enjoyed spending time with his friends at the 5K.

“Being outside and getting exercise is really good for mental health,” Bunger-Tang said. “It’s for a great cause.”

Likewise, Brimhall emphasized advocating for mental health awareness and supporting those who are in need.

“I think we’re in a wonderful community, but it’s also very high-pressure,” Brimhall said. “As much as I think everyone is working to help support students and each other, there’s still more to do. We just need to keep working on it.”