Hundreds of runners and walkers defied the rain and took to the streets of Quincy’s Squantum neighborhood for Interfaith Social Services’ 51st annual Stop the Stigma 5K. The event, which raises funds and awareness for mental health and addiction care, brought in more than $150,000 to fund counseling sessions for those in need at our New Directions Counseling Center. Nearly 900 supporters signed up to take part in the April 26 event and over 600 runners and volunteers came out to the Kennedy Center in North Quincy despite the rainy weather.
New Directions serves anyone seeking counseling but we pride ourselves 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, new clients receive their first four sessions free of charge.
Why We Run
We host the Stop the Stigma 5K each year to challenge stereotypes, encourage acceptance and 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. Here are a few statements our participants shared when asked, “What is your connection to the mission of Stop the Stigma 5K?:”
- I’ve worked in the mental health field in the past and in social services currently. I see the impact that struggles with mental health can have on children and families and the importance of seeking help. I’m happy to support this mission to reduce the stigma around mental illness and increase accessibility of appropriate treatment and supports.
- My brother was diagnosed with mental illness in his twenties. It was a struggle for him with the meds, side effects, and having limited support. He took his life not long after. I believe this cause is meaningful in creating awareness and building better support.
- My boyfriend has been sober for more than 2 years after struggling with alcohol addiction. We ran together in honor of all the people he’s met working on their recovery.
Thank You Vendors
Our runners were energized by the great tunes pumping out of our speakers courtesy of DJ Jeff Fowler Productions. A huge shout out to Katie Asack, a group fitness instructor who led us in a fun pre-race warmup.
Everyone stayed fueled and hydrated with bagels donated by Gold Medal Bakery and water donated by Polar Beverages and Trader Joe’s.
The Cravery Food Truck was a fun addition this year offering delicious ice cream and acai bowls for our participants to purchase!
And finally, we would like to give a special thank you to the Quincy Police Department for providing officers to make sure that everyone stayed safe.
Case Brabham of Cambridge was the fastest male, with a finish time of 17:51. Maureen Collins of Braintree earned the fasted female title, with a finish time of 21:38. Jacob Lai of Quincy earned the fastest youth title in the under-16 category, with a finish time of 20:29.
Thank You Sponsors
The 2025 Stop the Stigma 5K is sponsored by many generous local businesses, including Presenting Sponsors Arbella Insurance Foundation and Wulfpac Charitable Funding; 5K Level Sponsors The City of Quincy – Mayor Koch’s Office, The Heritage Companies, and New England Medical Group; Gold Level Sponsors Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Milton, J. Calnan & Associates, Keohane Funeral Home, and South Shore Bank; and Silver Level Sponsors Abington Bank, Bank of Canton, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Crocker Electrical Co., Inc., Dedham Savings, First Congregational Church of Randolph, FoxRock Properties, Law Offices of William T. Kennedy, P.C., Lawson & Weitzen, LLP, Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, MountainOne Bank, Point32Health, Puzzle Pieces, South Shore Health, Stop & Shop, United Healthcare and Wellsense Health Plan.
More Photos
Our fantastic photographers, Gary Higgins Photography and Rocky Taverna, captured so many incredible images from the day. Check out our photo gallery of some of our favorites on our Facebook page. Thank you Gary and Rocky!
Save the Date
Save the date for the 2026 Stop the Stigma 5K: Saturday, April 25, 2026.