On September 22nd, 2024, the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP) hosted the Healthy Hearts and Minds Run The Lawn 5K at Marquette Park, an event dedicated to raising awareness around mental health and heart disease. Despite the rainy weather, over 150 determined runners gathered to participate in the race with another 100 community members cheering them on on. The turnout in the pouring rain underscoring the community's commitment to supporting vital health issues. The event was a testament to the resilience and unity of the participants, who braved the elements for a cause close to their hearts.
The Run The Lawn 5K was the culmination of months of collaboration between SWOP and community partners, including Sinai Chicago, Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P), Chicago Cares, John F. Eberhart School, The Network, The Catalyst Schools, and the Community Safety Coordination Center. Each organization played a significant role in organizing the event, highlighting the strength of community partnerships in addressing critical health concerns.
SWOP’s Community Violence Intervention, Communities Partnering 4 Peace (CP4P) and Healthy Southwest team (which leads SWOP’s Healthy Chicago Equity Zone work), played instrumental roles in ensuring the success of the event. Their outreach efforts included canvassing blocks, networking with other organizations, and coordinating safety measures to make sure everything ran smoothly and efficiently. CP4P’s dedication to creating a secure environment allowed both participants and spectators to focus on the event's mission without concern. Through their meticulous planning, SWOP leaders not only helped boost attendance but also ensured that everyone could enjoy the day safely, even in challenging weather conditions.
Armando Mancilla, Senior Case Manager for SWOP’s CP4P team, shared these thoughts about the event. “We honestly couldn’t be happier. We were worried when we knew about how hard it was going to pour down, but our community and partners really showed up and gave it their everything. Everyone gave so much of their time and effort to make this 5K a success and culminated into something I can say we are so proud to be a part of.”
As runners completed the scenic route through Marquette Park, their efforts were not only symbolic of personal achievement but also a collective stride towards greater health awareness. SWOP, alongside its partners, expressed gratitude to all who
participated and contributed to the event's success, emphasizing that such community-driven efforts are essential in building a healthier, more connected neighborhood.
