By Aliyah Feeney
RED BANK – On Sunday, May 4, students from three local high schools will lace up their sneakers and set out on a 5K journey – not just to cross the finish line, but to take a stand for mental health awareness and suicide prevention.
In a powerful show of unity, students from Red Bank Catholic (RBC), Red Bank Regional (RBR), and Rumson-Fair Haven Regional (RFH) high schools are coming together for the eighth annual Ridge Road Run 5K for Suicide Prevention. This year’s race will be held at RFH.
The Ridge Road Run began when three high schools located on or near Ridge Road were impacted by tragedy – the loss of a fellow classmate who died by suicide in 2017.
“The entire community was shaken up by this tragic event,” said Michael Eulner, a 2018 graduate of RBR. Eulner shared his experience as junior class student president during that time. “As class president at RBR, I decided to do something,” he said. “Me and students from around the area figured out a way to bring the community together to shine light on mental health awareness. We put aside our rivalries, and the Ridge Road Run was born.”
Andrea LeLand, tri-school coordinator for the Ridge Road Alliance, said the students “want to make mental health and wellness something we can talk about openly and compassionately and they want action. The Ridge Road Run is their way of showing that young people can lead change.”
“All proceeds go directly toward local mental health initiatives in our schools, such as speaker events, awareness campaigns, training programs, leadership workshops, and wellness resources,” LeLand said.
Since its early success, the Ridge Road Run has grown into the Ridge Road Alliance for Suicide Education and Prevention, an organization that now serves as the umbrella for the 5K and a year-round Ambassador program, which is run through The Source at RBR. “Last year alone, the race provided $15,000 to each of the three schools in the Alliance, to be used in whatever capacity their students need,” said LeLand.
“It’s grown tremendously,” she added.
“Students now lead kindness campaigns, awareness nights, and create wellness spaces in schools.” Ambassadors collaborated to design a new website and create a meaningful logo – an aqua and purple anchor symbolizing hope, steadfastness, calmness and composure. Event shirts featuring the logo are distributed to participants ahead of the run and are also available for purchase at school events throughout the year.
The Monmouth County community has responded with immense support and positivity, bringing together hundreds of runners to participate in this annual event. “The response has been incredibly supportive, from families and local businesses to school administrators and alumni, everyone rallies around this cause,” LeLand said.
“Each year, the turnout grows and the conversation about mental health becomes more open and compassionate. The Ridge Road Run has truly become a unifying event for our community.” More than 750 runners are expected this year.
Looking ahead, organizers envision a future in which the Ridge Road Run 5K is just one part of a much larger movement for mental wellness – one that begins in local schools and reaches far beyond them.
“We hope to continue expanding our impact, empowering more student leaders, and creating a culture of wellness and connection in our schools and beyond,” said LeLand.
The 2025 Ridge Road Run Rundown
Registration for the 5K is open at ridgeroadalliance.org, and volunteers are always welcome to assist before, during and after the event. If you can’t run or volunteer, donations and social media support are encouraged.
Whether running, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, presence at the event makes a difference. Attendees are encouraged to wear teal or purple to show support for suicide prevention and mental health awareness, and most importantly, remember they are helping to save lives and strengthen the community.
“Hope is real, help is real, and healing is possible,” said LeLand. “Join us, walk with us, and help us create a future where no student feels alone.”
More than just a race, the Ridge Road Run has become a symbol of connection, healing, and hope, proving that when a community comes together, it can truly make a difference.
If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health issues or simply wants to learn more, contact the National Crisis Line at 988lifeline.org or call/text 988. To learn more about the alliance or to register for the 5K, visit ridgeroadalliance.org.
The article originally appeared in the April 24 – 30, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
