From tragedy to hope: Color run to honor local teen by raising funds for mental health

At the Hope for Hallie Color Run/Walk on May 3, participants can expect to get some exercise, get covered in color, and contribute to a worthy cause: making an impact on the lives of adolescents struggling with mental health challenges.

The annual event is held in memory of Hallie Jackson, former student and track athlete at Strath Haven High School student who lost her life to suicide in 2019. Her parents started the Hope for Hallie Foundation in 2020 to change the narrative around mental-health challenges and help other teens who are struggling like Hallie did.

The foundation offers suicide-prevention support adolescents, schools, families, community members and mental health professionals, and it has established a scholarship program to give teenagers free access to professional mental health counseling. In addition to the color run/walk, Hope for Hallie holds events including a candlelight vigil, the Hallie Jackson Memorial Golf Outing, a high school mental health summit, and virtual mindfulness meditation sessions.

Registration for the Color Run is now open, and those registering before March 15 can access an early-bird rate of $25 (children 5 and under are free with a participating adult). The registration fee covers access to all three events — a 1-mile run/walk, a 100-meter dash and a relay race —plus a T-shirt, sunglasses and a color packet for the final color throw. A DJ, food trucks and other fun offerings will also add to the festivities.

The events start at 12:30 p.m. at Rutgers Avenue Field at CADES (499 Strath Haven Ave., Swarthmore). Hope for Hallie is also seeking sponsors and volunteers for the event.