Lakewood Center Opens Registration for Second Annual Outrun Stigma 5K Feb. 14

Lakewood Center has opened registration for its second annual Outrun Stigma 5K, a chip-timed run/walk designed to raise awareness and funds for programs serving adults with serious mental illness. Registration opened on Jan. 17 and the event is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14 at Oviedo Mall in Oviedo.

Organizers describe the event as both a fundraiser and a public outreach effort aimed at breaking stigma around mental health. The chip-timed format accommodates competitive runners while remaining accessible to walkers and families, creating a visible community presence in Seminole County that organizers expect will draw attention to recovery services and local resources.

Funds raised will support Lakewood Center programming for adults with serious mental illness. Those programs operate alongside county and state behavioral health services, and rely on a mix of public funding, grants, and community support to maintain and expand capacity. In practical terms, money raised through community events can help sustain counseling, case management, and rehabilitation services that serve residents across Seminole County.

The Outrun Stigma 5K also functions as civic outreach. A public event at a central location like Oviedo Mall makes mental health services and conversations more visible, potentially increasing referrals and volunteer engagement. For local elected officials and policymakers, turnout and community support at such events are one measurable indicator of public prioritization of mental health funding and programming.

Registration is being managed by Lakewood Center; participants are encouraged to sign up through the organizer. Details and sign-up information are available at wesh.com/article/register-for-lakewood-centers-outrun-stigma-5k-in-seminole-county/70030908

For Seminole County residents, the race offers multiple points of engagement: it is a fundraising mechanism for services that directly affect neighbors and family members, a public demonstration challenging stigma, and a practical way to connect volunteers and donors with local behavioral health providers. The event’s timing on Valentine’s Day also gives it symbolic resonance as an act of community care.

As registration continues, organizers will be gauging participation and logistical needs such as course management, volunteer staffing, and partnerships with local agencies. Residents interested in supporting mental health services can register, volunteer, or follow Lakewood Center’s updates to see how community involvement translates into service support and public outreach in the months ahead.