Community Run Opens Suicide Awareness Month

Fourteen people participated in a suicide awareness run organized by Coach Kian Trejo of the San Pedro Town Council Sports Department on Tuesday, September 1st. The event began at the southern end of the San Pedrito Highway and ended at Central Park, marking the start of Suicide Awareness Month.
The run was organized to encourage open discussions about suicide and mental health and to bring community members together through physical activity. Participants followed the route from the highway’s southern end toward town, then finished at Central Park. The event’s message was captured in its slogan: “When you feel like giving up, just remember the reason you held on for so long.”
Trejo said the idea grew out of a school run held last year in memory of a friend who died by suicide. San Pedro High School plans to host another collaborative suicide awareness run, tentatively scheduled for September 24th. Trejo said the September 1st event was organized as a group activity to kick off the month’s awareness efforts.
During an interview, Trejo acknowledged that mental health challenges affect people of all ages, not only young people. His message to anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts was to “push another day” and continue moving forward. He encouraged those facing difficult moments to hold on for another day and seek support rather than remain silent.
Anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm should immediately contact emergency services, visit the nearest medical facility, or speak with a trusted person.
The awareness run is the first of several athletic and community events scheduled for the island. Trejo said the Next Gen Classic, set for Saturday, September 5th, will feature a free one-mile run starting on the San Pedrito Highway. Participants will travel about 800 meters north toward town before turning back. The race is open to participants 18 and younger, with awards for the top three finishers.
Other scheduled activities include a visit from Belizean Olympian Brandon Jones on September 8th, the San Pedro High School awareness run tentatively set for September 24th, and the fourth annual 501 Glory Run on October 2nd.
Trejo hopes the events will maintain public attention on suicide prevention while giving residents opportunities to participate in sports and community programs. Those interested in registering can contact Trejo directly at 501-623-2723.