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More than 180 runners gathered at Crocker Park on Sunday morning for the Rotary Club of Marblehead’s annual 5K for Mental Health, a community event that raised funds to continue Inner Explorer mindfulness programming in local public schools.
The race, which began and ended at Crocker Park, brought together students, families, Rotarians and community leaders under clear November skies. After crossing the finish line, participants headed to the Boston Yacht Club for clam chowder and hot dogs while live music played.
“It says you’re an incredible community who is absolutely focused on children’s mental health and well being,” said Jillian Sullivan, Inner Explorer regional director. “The fact that we would see such an incredible turnout like this today just shows so much strength and character and how much they genuinely care about this community.”
The 5K sustains the Rotary Club’s $18,000 annual funding commitment to Inner Explorer, a nonprofit audio-guided mindfulness program now operating in more than 7,000 schools nationwide. Marblehead students from kindergarten through 12th grade participate in five to 10-minute daily sessions delivered via classroom smart boards, building skills in attention, self-awareness and emotional regulation.
Nancy Archer Gwin, the Rotary member who brought Inner Explorer to Marblehead, emphasized the program’s preventive approach.
“We wanted to find a way to reach and help as many children develop a skill set to deal with stress and anxiety,” she said at the event. “As a club of like-minded people, we felt we all share in the responsibility to our kids, to help take care of young people’s mental health and well-being.”
Julia Ferreira, assistant superintendent of teaching and learning for Marblehead Public Schools, told the crowd that Inner Explorer is a science-based program designed for daily classroom integration.
“To quote one of our young students, she said, ‘I really like Inner Explorer because it’s calming and refreshing,’” Ferreira said. “I want to give a big thank you to Nancy Archer Gwin for bringing Inner Explorer to Marblehead.”
The event reflected collaboration across multiple community organizations. More than 30 student volunteers from the Marblehead High School Interact Club managed race logistics. Callie Curtis, Interact Club president, said the partnership allows students to contribute to meaningful work.
“It is amazing that we can come together, form a group and get everyone to volunteer for something so special that affects so many kids in our school locally that we can help,” Curtis said.
Aviv Hod, Marblehead Rotary Club president, described the 5K as one of two major annual fundraisers, alongside the lobster raffle that supports camperships and scholarships. He noted that Rotary’s work extends beyond the race to bike racks, the town clock, a gazebo dedicated to member Carl Siegel and ongoing support for the food pantry.
“We have Rotarians that have banded together for a cause here, and that’s what Rotary is all about,” Hod said. “We have people working really, really hard for it.”
State Rep. Jenny Armini addressed runners before the race began, framing mental health support as a community responsibility.
“Mental health is stigmatized and when you don’t feel safe in your own community — we’re doing two really important things today,” Armini said. “Yes, we’re raising money, which is awesome, but we’re also telling the wider community that it’s OK not to be OK, and we’re also saying that we’re gonna try and help you as best we can.”
Armini noted that state youth mental health tracking shows students continue struggling with self-harm, hopelessness and sadness, underscoring the need for programs like Inner Explorer.
Sullivan emphasized that mindfulness skills acquired through the program extend beyond school walls.
“You don’t know if someone’s struggling, but something like this is a tool that families and kids, people of all ages can utilize this, and they can use mindfulness for for life,” Sullivan said.
The Rotary Club meets Thursdays at 12:15 p.m. at the Boston Yacht Club. Information about joining the club or supporting Inner Explorer is available by contacting Gwin at gwinnancy@gmail.com.
