“Running became such an important part of Jess’ life so quickly that I knew it was a great way to honor her memory, while including so many people that had become close to her over the years.”

Jessica Salapek took her own life at the age of 34 on Nov. 28 of last year. She was an art teacher, a devoted mother, and always found peace in nature.

Jess had struggled with mental health issues, said her husband Brian, and her death was unexpected.

“Jess was a beautiful soul, a kind and caring person, a wonderful mother, and a passionate art teacher. It’s truly heartbreaking to have lost her so soon,” said Brian.

But before it all came to a head, Brian said, Jess looked for ways to treat herself in addition to seeking treatment. One of those ways, he said, was running.

“Jess began training with the local group Running Revolution,” said Brian. “What started out as a way to get fit, and achieve a goal, ended up becoming a source of friendship, companionship, and ultimately a way for her to help treat her illness.”

The motivation behind starting the Jessica Salapek Memorial 5K, which is being held Saturday, May 12 this year, couldn’t have been more intuitive, said Brian. The inaugural event is one that Brian hopes will not only keep Jessica’s memory alive in the hearts and minds of those who loved her deeply, but will also provide needed support to mental health services in the county.

“The idea came to me soon after her passing, and her running friends, the Sole Sisters, concurrently had the same idea. We’ve all been working together to make the 5K a success. Holding the event in May,” said Brian, “made perfect sense because it is Mental Health Awareness Month, as well as Jess’ birth month.”

Registration for the event can be done by visiting getmeregistered.com and entering the event ID number 129620. There is also a Facebook page devoted to the event, which can be found by searching Jessica Salapek Memorial 5K. Registration is $20 through May 5, and $25 from May 5 until registration ends, at midnight on May 11.

The event will be held at the North Warren Presbyterian Church Pavilion and will run north to the end of the bike path that runs parallel to Route 62 before turning south and returning to Church Street via Jackson Run Road.

Nearly 30 people had signed up by the end of last week, said Brian, “but we expect more signups closer to the event.” There is no limit to how many can sign up, he said, adding that “our event insurance can only handle 500. Nothing would make me happier than to call the insurance company and have to up that number, though!”

All of the money raised by the race will go toward QPR training, which is provided by Kari Swanson to groups and individuals as requested in the county. Swanson has trained the Warren County School District staff and faculty, local police officers, and other groups on QPR techniques of intervention when someone is experiencing suicidal ideation.

“The money will help her purchase the training packets and any supplies she needs to continue this valuable work in the community,” said Brian.

“Mental health issues are real and prevalent everywhere in the world,” said Brian. “There is an unfortunate stigma surrounding them, and it can make people who suffer ashamed to reach out when they need to. The most important advice I can give is to recognize mental illness as what it is — an illness. There is no shame in going to the doctor for cancer treatments, and there should be no shame in seeking treatment for mental illness.”

Registration and check-in begins the day of the event at 7:30 a.m. and the race begins at 9 a.m. Find more information by accessing the Jessica Salapek Memorial 5K on Facebook, where links to the registration portal and other information can also be found.