John W. Brick 5K & Family Fun Run Returns
John W. Brick 5K & Family Fun Run Returns to Towson University
N ot only is exercise important for your physical health, but experts say it is essential for your mental health as well! That’s why the John W. Brick Foundation is hosting its 2nd Annual 5K Run/ Walk and Family Fun Run on Sunday, September 10 at Towson University.
All proceeds from the event will support the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established by Victor, Lynne and Vicki Brick in 2015 to advance learning on how exercise benefits mental health.
More than 1,200 people of all ages and fitness levels are expected to participate in the race, which starts and ends at Johnny Unitas Stadium. Registration begins on-site at 7 a.m., followed by warm-up exercises led by The Oriole Bird and Lynne Brick, co-founder and owner of Brick Bodies Fitness Services, Inc. and Planet Fitness franchises, including one in Perry Hall. The event’s emcee is Denise Koch from WJZTV Eyewitness News.
The 5K starts at 8:30 a.m. and winds through Towson neighborhoods before finishing at the stadium’s 50-yard line. The Family Fun one-mile walk begins at 9 a.m. and goes throughout Towson University’s campus. After the race, all walkers and runners can celebrate their victory at the post-race festival, which will feature food, drinks, music, a Kids’ Fun Zone, vendors and exhibits.
The John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation is named after Victor Brick’s oldest brother who
suffered from schizophrenia and died prematurely of complications from the disease. As physical health enthusiasts, the Bricks firmly believe that changes to John’s physical health could have greatly improved his mental health.
The mission of the foundation is to advance learning on how exercise benefits mental health. While it is assumed that exercise can improve mental health, very little research has actually been done in this area, and there is even less conclusive evidence regard- ing the best type of exercise to do for a specific mental health condition, including how often and how much.
Led by Dr. Allen Tien, Chief Science Officer, the foundation is working with other mental health care institutions, organizations and individuals in conducting studies, promoting research, creating awareness and improving understanding as to how exercise benefits mental health.
The organization states that at some point in our lives, most all of us will suffer from some form of mental illness from mild anxiety or depression to schizophrenia. It is estimated that each year, 27% of the American population could be clinically diagnosed with mental illness.
According to the Bricks, John Brick received treatment from some of the best institutions in the nation but never once was diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle included in his treatment. The foundation believes that these things would not replace drug therapy, but rather enhance and help mental health and hygiene. The foundation wants to use the idea of diet, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle to help others that suffer from all forms of mental illness. For more information about the John W. Brick Mental Health Foundation, visit https:// www.exerciseyourmentalhealth.org.
John W. Brick Foundation 5K Run/Walk and Family Fun Run
Sunday, September 10 at 8:30 a.m. Towson University 8000 York Rd, Towson, MD 21252
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female overall finishers ($200/$100/$50), as well as male and female Masters ($75) and Grandmasters ($75). Age group awards will go to the top three male and female finishers in each age groups. Additionally, the largest team will receive an award.
Registration fees are $25 for the Family Fun One Mile Walk and $40 for the 5K on Race Day. These fees cover on-course water, post-race refreshments and activities for all, plus tech shirts, medals and goody bags for the first 1,200 registrants. For more information, visit www .j wb 5 k.com.