Let's Taco 'bout it run/walk raises mental health awareness

Apr. 20—Samaritan Counseling Center hosts their Let's Taco 'bout it run/walk.

The event supports mental health services for those who are uninsured or underinsured.

The run started and finished right in front of Bode Ice Arena. Runners went along the sidewalk going down to Renick St. before turning around. Attendees also received a free t-shirt reminding people to support mental health efforts.

Runners JT Wahlgren and Eric Patton say they were very happy with their performance and the breezy but nice weather helped.

"I set a personal record which is what I set out to do. Good weather, so it was a good time," Wahlgren said.

"The entire time, I was on his tail. I was able to almost catch up to him in the end but he's pretty quick so," said Patton.

For both runners, it was their first time participating in this particular race. However, both would recommend it to others.

"It's really well put together," said Patton.

"[It's] for a great cause and it's a good turnout... I mean, talk about a 5k," Wahlgren said.

Most importantly, Wahlgren and Patton wanted to support the great cause: mental health.

"I think a lot of people are struggling and everyone needs somewhere, somebody to reach out to. And this is just another good way to support them," said Wahlgren.

Patton continued by saying that mental health is a big thing nationwide.

"We need to make sure that we address [it] going forward," Patton said.

All proceeds from the run/walk went

Samaritan Counseling Center hosts their Let's Taco 'bout it run/walk.

The event supports mental health services for those who are uninsured or underinsured.

The run started and finished right in front of Bode Ice Arena. Runners went along the sidewalk going down to Renick St. before turning around. Attendees also received a free t-shirt reminding people to support mental health efforts.

Runners JT Wahlgren and Eric Patton say they were very happy with their performance and the breezy but nice weather helped.

"I set a personal record which is what I set out to do. Good weather, so it was a good time," Wahlgren said.

"The entire time, I was on his tail. I was able to almost catch up to him in the end but he's pretty quick so," said Patton.

For both runners, it was their first time participating in this particular race. However, both would recommend it to others.

"It's really well put together," said Patton.

"[It's] for a great cause and it's a good turnout... I mean, talk about a 5k," Wahlgren said.

Most importantly, Wahlgren and Patton wanted to support the great cause: mental health.

"I think a lot of people are struggling and everyone needs somewhere, somebody to reach out to. And this is just another good way to support them," said Wahlgren.

Patton continued by saying that mental health is a big thing nationwide.

"We need to make sure that we address [it] going forward," Patton said.

All proceeds from the run/walk went to the Samaritan Counseling Center.

___

(c)2024 the St. Joseph News-Press (St. Joseph, Mo.)

Visit the St. Joseph News-Press (St. Joseph, Mo.) at www.newspressnow.com/index.html

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.