For the past five years, hundreds of families and friends have gathered on an early April morning at KEVA Sports Center in Middleton with two goals in mind: to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention, and to run a 5K. This year was no exception, and on April 13, runners and walkers of all ages participated in the fifth annual “Beat the Blues Cruise” (BTBC).
The 2024 Beat the Blues Cruise, as in previous years, consisted of a 5K run/walk, complete with opening speeches, merchandise and a silent auction. All of funds raised went towards organizations Code Green and Mental Health America of Wisconsin (Prevent Suicide Wisconsin), which aid first responders and raise awareness of mental health issues. Each participant paid a $20 registration fee, with many runners and sponsors donating additional funds — adding to BTBC’s impressive overall donation of $80,000-plus to these and other organizations.
After donning matching “Beat the Blues Cruise” T-shirts and race bibs, the participants gathered at the starting line to listen to guest speakers, including the race’s founders. The opening guest speaker, who encouraged the runners to call him “Uncle Bob,” shared a personal story about his family’s experience with suicide.
“Anybody who has experienced that, like we all have in some way, knows that shock of suicide never goes away. It stays with you forever,” Bob said. In a touching tribute, a moment of silence was offered for victims of suicide and all those fighting mental health challenges.
“I could get up here and say statistics, but we all know that the only one that matters is one,” Bob continued. “The number one person you know who took their life. That’s one of the reasons that the Beat the Blues began in 2018.”
In another solemn tribute, Dr. Kate Welsh continued the opening remarks by inviting participants to share their own stories.
“If anyone feels comfortable, and they would like to share who they are walking for, or who they are remembering this morning, I would be honored if you approached the microphone,” Dr. Welsh said.
Several runners shared stories and names of people in their lives who had taken their own lives, along with a heartfelt invitation to run in honor of their loved ones.
As the opening remarks drew to a close, runners and walkers prepared for the race ahead. BTBC is not a competition, and participants of every skill level enjoyed the beautiful sunny weather and gentle 5K course through Pheasant Branch Conservancy and downtown Middleton. Volunteers at every corner kept the runners on track, and were ready with water, snacks, and cookies at the finish line.
Many Middleton High School (MHS) students ran the course this year. The MHS Girls Lacrosse team participated, including Seniors Scarlett Smith and Kate Williams.
“I’m really glad I got to run for such a good cause with my team,” Smith said.
Williams shared the sentiment, and enjoyed running together with both her teammates and other Madison-area participants on the course. Like many Middleton residents, the MHS Girls Lacrosse team hopes to be regulars at upcoming BTBC runs.
The BTBC website’s mission statement is to “raise awareness about suicide and its prevention. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. Approximately 45,000 Americans die from suicide each year. Our hope is that by providing information and education, we can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and its prevalence.”
For those present at the event, there was certainly a sense of sensitivity and respect for the victims of suicide, as well as hope in the power of the BTBC community to make a real difference.
