The Kids Mental Health Foundation Moves Annual May 5K Race & Walk to October

COLUMBUS, Ohio (April 30, 2025) – The 5K for Kids’ Mental Health, formerly the On Our Sleeves 5K, will return for a second year to Columbus Crew’s Lower.com Field on Saturday, October 11. The race, hosted by the Columbus Crew with lead support from founding partners Big Lots and Nationwide, is a family-friendly community run and walk to grow awareness and raise funds for The Kids Mental Health Foundation.

The mission of The Kids Mental Health Foundation, founded by Nationwide Children’s Hospital, is to provide free, expert-created mental health resources to all U.S. communities to build a world where mental health is a vital part of the upbringing of every child. 

“We are so excited to be holding the 5K at Columbus Crew’s Lower.com Field once again,” said Ariana Hoet, PhD, executive clinical director of The Kids Mental Health Foundation and pediatric psychologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. “Every participant in the 5K is helping us provide free resources that teach mental health and wellness skills, so all adults with a kid in their life—both in central Ohio and across the country—can understand and promote children’s mental health.” 

With a goal of 1,500 participants, plus hundreds of spectators and volunteers, the race will start and finish at Lower.Com Field and take participants on a walk or run through the heart of downtown Columbus. Once participants have completed the 5K, they are invited to celebrate in the Chase Plaza at Lower.com Field until noon. There will be fun activities, snacks, beverages, and more. 

“We are honored that Lower.com Field has the opportunity to support the success of this year’s 5K for Kids’ Mental Health, as The Kids Mental Health Foundation and Nationwide Children’s Hospital do phenomenal work to champion resources and awareness for kids’ mental health during this event and throughout the year,” said Josh Glessing, chief of strategy & development at Haslam Sports Group. “The Crew are dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the Columbus community through promoting youth soccer and education resources, both of which can play an important part in the overall well-being of our local youth.” 

Registration will open May 1, and participants can choose to start their own team or register for the VIP Columbus Crew Team. When you register as a member of the VIP Crew Team, you will be eligible for exclusive Crew special experiences and swag items.

The race starts at 9 a.m. at the stadium (96 Columbus Crew Way, Columbus, OH 43215). Packet pick-up begins at 7:30 a.m., and the program starts at 8:40 a.m.

If you cannot make it downtown on race day, you can register online to run or walk virtually in your own neighborhood. For participants, the cost to register is $1, with a commitment to raise or donate a minimum of $50 on or before October 12, 2025. Participants will receive a T-shirt and medal. 

The 5K for Kids’ Mental Health would not be possible without the generous support of founding partners, Big Lots and Nationwide. 

“Showcasing the hospital’s work to advance children’s behavioral health has always been a cornerstone of our partnership with the Crew,” said Ann Bair, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for Nationwide. “We look forward to joining Crew fans and the community for another great event supporting The Kids Mental Health Foundation’s effort to build a world where mental health is a vital part of every child’s upbringing.” The 5K is also made possible with the support of dedicated sponsors. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are still available. 

For kids’ mental health resources, please visit KidsMentalHealthFoundation.org.

The Kids Mental Health Foundation is the leading organization promoting mental health for children in the United States. To achieve its vision to build a world where mental health is a vital part of every child’s upbringing, nearly 1,000 mental health professionals and researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, in partnership with other trusted experts, provide real-world knowledge and expertise to power the Foundation's free educational videos, guides and curriculum. To date, more than 24 million people have engaged with the Foundation’s materials, helping parents, educators and coaches be a guiding force for children all across the United States. During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, The Kids Mental Health Foundation is shining a spotlight on how “Kids Mental Health Starts with Us” and ways its free tools and resources can help empower parents, teachers and coaches across the United States.