A family’s tragedy has grown into an annual 5k race that benefits local mental health awareness and suicide prevention efforts.

The Jessica Salapek Memorial 5K is set for Saturday, May 7. The race begins at 9 a.m. at the Dave Clark Pavilion at the North Warren Presbyterian Church on State Street.

Salapek died in late 2017, and this marks the fourth year of the event in her honor.

“Jess’ legacy definitely lives on through the 5k for all of us,” Brian Salapek, her husband, explained. “We specifically choose the weekend of the race each year to be close to her birthday.”

In addition to her roles as wife and mother, Salapek was an art teacher.

That art comes out in the race.

“Not only do we remember her through her love of running, but also with sharing her artwork on the t-shirts,” he said. “Jess had created so much great art and I always get so excited to see people wearing the 5k shirts around town.”

The largely flat route starts at the park and uses State Street and Jackson Run Road as well as the Bike-Hike Trail and portions of the Warren State Hospital Grounds.

Brian Salapek said the event has raised about $6,000 for local mental health awareness efforts and suicide prevention. The proceeds are donated to CORE, an organization dedicated to suicide prevention.

“CORE is a wonderful organization that does so much good for the community,” Brian said, “specifically through work with our youth.

“Emotional health is so important and it’s not something that we are taught about enough. I think about how hard it is to grow up, and CORE’s message of openness, and removing stigmas about mental health is priceless, especially at that age.”

Registration is currently open and a link is available for that on the Jessica Salapek Memorial 5K Facebook page.