Memorial run to benefit scholarships, suicide prevention in Tyrone

NOTE: This article discusses sensitive topics such as suicide. Reader discretion is advised.

TYRONE, Pa. (WTAJ) — An annual memorial run in Tyrone is working to raise money for student scholarships and to support suicide prevention initiatives within the Tyrone Area School.

The 5th Annual Adam Zook Memorial Run will take place on Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Reservoir Park in Tyrone. The race is named for Adam Zook, a former Tyrone student, who took his own life in 2019, the summer before his senior year at Slippery Rock University. Adam participated in track and cross country and his brother Hayden Zook started the run in his honor.

This year’s theme is “Positioned For Purpose” and the 2024 shirt works to showcase aspects of Adam’s life and to remind everyone that they’re here for a reason.

Here’s what each of the elements means:

The runner : The runner wears 988, the suicide and crisis lifeline , on his chest. He preserves on his run but remembers that he is not alone on the journey.

Eagle : The Golden Eagle, Tyrone’s mascot, is a resilient creature that rises to the occasion when faced with adversity. It also soars in the sky with determination and bravery and proves that the runner is not alone.

Mountains : Every journey in life is full of roads that aren’t easy and these mountains symbolize the journey ahead. Whilst they may be formidable, life is abundant in them. The organization said they also are an ode to the Appalachian Mountains that span the core of Pennsylvania.

The color orange : Orange was Adam’s favorite color and it cuts through through the night, providing the runner the first light of a new day. It symbolizes that days can get better no matter how dark they’ve been.

Rising sun : The rising sun on the shirt provides the runner light after a dark night. It also highlights how the Earth and the sun are Positioned for Purpose, just like every human.

Believe today, and everyday, that you are where you are for a reason. You are not where you are today by accident. There is a great purpose for you!

Adam Zook Memorial Fund said in a post

What do you need to know about this year’s run?

There are three runs you can choose from, a timed 5k, a timed 9.88 mile and an untimed two-mile walk. Check-in on those days is from 7 to 8 a.m. The runs themselves will kick off at 8:30 a.m.

Pre-registration for this year’s race is $15 for ages 18 and under and $25 for anyone aged 19 and above. If you’d like to guarantee a t-shirt you must register in advance by Aug. 28. You can still register the day of the event for $30.

Register for the 5k, 9.88 mile and two-mile walk here .

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You can keep up to date with this year’s memorial run and future events on the Adam Zook Memorial Fund Facebook page .

If you are in crisis, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline anytime at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK

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