Love & Lean Walk/Run for Mental Health
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10th Annual Love & Lean Walk/Run for Mental Health
The Love & Lean Walk/Run for Mental Health is an annual community event in Zeeland, Michigan that raises awareness about mental health and suicide prevention. The event was inspired by the loss of a Zeeland East student who died by suicide in 2015; organizers aim to reduce stigma, increase recognition of mental illness signs, and encourage people to seek and offer help.
Participants can choose from multiple route options:
- 5K Walk/Run
- 1.5 mile walk with shirt option
- 1.5 mile walk free of charge
- Virtual walk/run with mailed packet
The course uses sidewalks, bike paths and wetlands trails and will be lined with memorial pictures, sidewalk chalk, and encouraging message signs. A story path features enlarged pages from the children’s book The Rabbit Listened for readers along the route. Zeeland’s combined 7th grade band will perform near the finish area.
Only the 5K route is chip timed. Event long sleeve shirts are included with the 5K and optional for the 1.5 mile route; there is a firm shirt order deadline in mid April. The event now operates as a 501(c)(3); net proceeds for 2026 are distributed among regional mental health organizations, with the majority directed to the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan.
Memorial sign requests and other participant options follow organizer deadlines and procedures. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
