The Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial run/walk is happening this Saturday at Cody Park in North Platte. In honor of their son, brother, and friend, the Tyler Vanderheiden family together with the Platte River Fitness Series and Nebraska Game & Parks invites registration for the 3rd Annual event.
Tyler’s sister, Sydney Keller, told KCNI/KBBN that her brother died by suicide in 2015 and that all proceeds from the event go to the partnering groups for the creation, maintenance, and upgrade of trails in Nebraska. The event website states, “Ty liked to live life large and was always up for an adventure. He loved to hunt, fish, and most of all, spend time with family. He often shared he felt closer to God when he was in the great outdoors.”
Keller said in-person registration runs up until race day on May 25. Virtual registration will close at 4 pm CT the day before on May 24. Registration is $28 for both the 2 and 5 mile races.
Organizers have set a goal of having a participant from every state in the nation and every county in Nebraska. Keller gave an update on the progress with just days to go before the race, “Yes we do have at least 1 participant from every state. We are still working really hard on all of the counties in Nebraska and only need 20 more, which is amazing! We are really hoping to meet that goal. We have emailed ALL officials from every county we still need, so we know the word is out, we just need someone from those counties to actually register.”
The race serves everyone in a different way, Keller said. “Not only has Ty’s race been healing for our family and is a way to keep his memory alive and give his life purpose, but it also serves as a catalyst to continue the conversation on suicide prevention and mental health awareness. If we can impact one person we consider that a success. We want others to know that they are not alone and there are people out there who want them here. The race also serves as a place for individuals to come and remember their loved one. Unfortunately, we know that we are not the only family out there impacted by suicide.”
Keller added that being a professional runner is far from being a requirement.
“You don’t have to be a runner or even a fast walker to participate. My grandmother takes the entire weekend to get in her 2 miles. The race part is fun, but really our message is to bring attention to suicide prevention and mental health struggles. We want to create a community that stands together and says, we see you, we hear you, and we love you. Too many community members struggle and while mental health struggles will likely always be there, we won’t even begin to touch or change the issue unless we keep talking about it.”
Those wishing to learn more, register, or donate can visit the Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial website or the Memorial Run page on the Nebraska Game and Parks website. Information is also updated on the event Facebook page.
