Within a few blocks of the Atlantic, an ocean of yellow assembled in Palm Beach’s Bradley Park for the seventh running of the Race of Hope 5K to Defeat Depression. Over 1200 participants signed up to walk or run the 3.1 mile course, contributing over a million dollars to raise awareness and funds for urgent depression research “funding the best minds to cure minds.”
Greeted on arrival by volunteers shaking yellow poms, participants registered, received gear kits, and browsed booths offering water, coffee, snacks, health drinks, cosmetics—and choices of flower garlands, sunglasses, glue-on mustaches, and sunglasses – all colored yellow! Yellow posters saluted presenting sponsor Findlay Galleries and other supporters.
Assembling at the starting line, people pushing strollers, toddlers, dogs, joined walkers and serious runners to complete the picturesque course, returning to pick up their medals amidst hugs and cheers. HDRF Founder Audrey Gruss and HDRF Advisory Board Member and Race Co-Grand Marshal Scott Synder, hosted the Awards Ceremony celebrating First Place Men’s Runner Sean Clark, Women’s Winner Niki Desjardin, Top Individual Fundraiser Mona Nasser ($5,500), Top Team Fundraiser Le Bilboquet ($18,000), Top Team with the most Participants – It Takes a Colony (46 members with Sarah Wetenhall as Team Captain).
View photos from the day in the slideshow below.
