AWARENESS WARRIORS FOUNDATION / SIGNATURE EVENTS
TRAIL OF HOPE
5K CHALLENGE.
2ND ANNUAL / REMEMBERING 17; SUPPORTING THE MANY
CARRY HOPE.
SHARE THE WEIGHT.
Every person arrives carrying something. Some of it you can see. Some of it you can’t.
Trail of Hope brings remembrance, teamwork, and connection onto a shared path—honoring veterans lost to suicide while standing beside the many people whose struggles go unseen.
REMEMBERING 17; SUPPORTING THE MANY
17 ELEMENTS.
ONE SHARED PURPOSE.
Seventeen is woven into the challenge as a symbol of remembrance for veterans lost to suicide. Alongside that remembrance, we stand with the many people carrying struggles in silence—and the families, friends, and neighbors beside them.
Across a 5K trail, participants face 11 obstacles and six team missions. The obstacles challenge participants; the missions invite them to cooperate, communicate, and pay attention to one another. An obstacle offers a chance to encourage. A mission calls for working together.
Challenge yourself. Encourage someone beside you.
Communicate, cooperate, and share the effort.
A shared responsibility with a deeper meaning.
THE WEIGHT WE SHARE
ONE BAG PER TEAM.
A LESSON TO CARRY HOME.
Each team carries one 17-pound sandbag—a symbol of remembrance for veterans lost to suicide and the struggles people often carry unseen. As the bag passes between teammates, it creates opportunities to pay attention, check in, offer relief, and accept support.
We cannot always know what someone is carrying. We can ask, listen, and make sure they know help is available.
That is the lesson we hope travels beyond the trail: support begins with paying attention, and asking for help is a step we can take together.
CONNECTION IS A STARTING POINT
CONNECTION ON THE TRAIL.
SUPPORT BEYOND IT.
Community organizations joined the event to share information about available resources, giving participants and families opportunities to learn where they could turn for further support.
Movement opens the conversation. Connection helps us keep it going. Access to resources gives people somewhere to take the next step.
Explore Support Resources ↗THE 2ND ANNUAL TRAIL OF HOPE
HOPE,
CARRIED TOGETHER.
182 photos in six chapters
CHAPTER 01 / 25 PHOTOS
Before We Take the Trail
Packet pickup, people coming together, and the opening ceremony.
CHAPTER 02 / 54 PHOTOS
Along the Trail
Shared strides through the 5K route.
CHAPTER 03 / 53 PHOTOS
Facing Obstacles Together
Challenges, encouragement, and helping hands along the way.
CHAPTER 04 / 35 PHOTOS
Sharing the Weight. Working as a Team.
The sandbag, shared effort, and challenges that bring teammates together.
CHAPTER 05 / 10 PHOTOS
The People Beside Us
Team portraits, personal triumphs, and moments of connection.
CHAPTER 06 / 5 PHOTOS
The Community Behind the Challenge
Supporters, partnerships, and recognition surrounding Trail of Hope.
HEAR FROM THE PEOPLE WHO SHOWED UP
WHY WE
SHOW UP.
Explore Voices of the Movement ↗CARRY HOPE INTO EVERY DAY
HELP SOMEONE CARRY
WHAT YOU CAN’T SEE.
Take the challenge. Offer encouragement. Start a conversation. Carry the spirit of Trail of Hope into the way you show up for others.
Carry Hope Forward ↗