More than 950 participants signed up to take part in our 2026 Stop the Stigma 5K, raising a record amount of funds for our mental health programs! Hundreds of runners and walkers took to the streets for Interfaith Social Services’ 52nd annual Stop the Stigma 5K on April 25 in Quincy, MA. The event, which raises funds and awareness for mental health and addiction care, brought in more than $180,000 to fund counseling sessions for those in need at Interfaith’s New Directions Counseling Center.
New Directions serves anyone seeking counseling but prides itself on being a safety net for the uninsured and underinsured members of the community by offering services on a sliding scale fee system. To further break down barriers to receiving treatment, first-time clients to the New Directions Counseling Center receive their first four sessions free of charge. The success of this 5K event supports these sessions, and many others, for individuals who otherwise would not be able to afford treatment.
Stop the Stigma Race Director and Interfaith’s Director of Development Paula Daniels kicked off the race with these words: “Today isn’t just about a race. It’s about something bigger. Every single registration helps fund a mental health counseling session for someone who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford it. That means every step you take today is directly helping someone take a step toward healing.”
The Stop the Stigma 5K strives to raise awareness, to challenge stereotypes, encourage acceptance and work to eliminate stigmas associated with mental health and addiction. Many participants feel a strong connection to the mission and run or walk to support family and friends, or to highlight their own battles with mental illness or addiction recovery.
This year’s 5K featured the Ruta Jalisco food truck, as well as bagels and refreshments courtesy of Gold Medal Bakery, Polar Beverages, and Trader Joe’s – Hingham. DJ Jeff Fowler Productions provided tunes and emcee services, and fitness instructor Katie Asack led a group warm up. Braintree’s Stretch N Motion provided assisted stretching and massage. Attendees were also invited to enter raffles and play games on race day.
Race winners for their gender and ages groups were as follows: Abigail Meaney (F 6-12); Alfred Rankin (M 6-12); Maya Sekhar (F 13-19); Kou Nishizawa (M 13-19); Sarah Goltsman (F 20-29); Jonathan Ferrarini M 20-29); Molly Dempsey F 30-39); Austin Mancenido (M 30-39); Ann Panos (F 40-49); Jeremy Whitelock (M 40-49); Rachel Li (F 50-59); Arthur Besse (M 50-59); Kathleen Largey (F 60-69); Jeffrey Cone (M 60-69); Jane Smeglin (F 70+) and Gary Morin (M 70+).
