Allen County–Scottsville Veterans 5K Unites Region to Support Mental Health and Honor Service

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Scottsville, KY — On Saturday, May 31, 2025, residents of Allen County and the greater South Central Kentucky region will come together at Dugas Community Park for the inaugural Allen County–Scottsville Veterans 5K—a powerful event focused on raising awareness for veteran mental health and suicide prevention.

The 5K aims to shed light on the alarming statistic that an estimated 22 veterans die by suicide each day in the United States. Event organizers hope this run serves as both a memorial and a rallying point for ongoing community support.

“This is more than a run,” said D. Porter, Director of Development & Community Engagement at Dugas Community Park and member of the event’s planning committee. “It’s a message to our veterans that they’re seen, heard, and supported. It’s about building a community that shows up.”

Open to veterans, families, local businesses, and advocates alike, the event encourages runners, walkers, and supporters of all ages to take part. Registration is $25 and includes a race bib and commemorative t-shirt featuring a custom design created by the winner of a regional art contest sponsored by JM Smucker Company.

The race will begin at 8:30 a.m. on May 31 at 336 N Bedelia Street in Scottsville. Participants can register online at runsignup.com/Race/KY/Scottsville/ACSVeterans5K.

But the effort doesn’t stop at the finish line. Leading up to the event, the Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Health Care System will offer free public trainings on suicide prevention. These sessions will equip community members with tools to recognize when someone may be struggling and teach them how to respond with compassion and care.

Two training opportunities are scheduled:

• On April 10 at 5:00 p.m., a Veterans Town Hall and awareness training will take place at the Western Kentucky University Conference Center in Bowling Green.
• On May 30 at 10:00 a.m., a suicide awareness training session will be held at the Halley-Dalton VFW Post 5712 in Scottsville.

Both sessions are open to the public and free to attend.

Additionally, the VFW will host a community pasta dinner on the eve of the race—Friday, May 30—beginning at 6:00 p.m. Proceeds from the dinner will be donated to Dugas Community Park in recognition of the park’s partnership in hosting the 5K.

For Porter and the rest of the planning committee, the goal is clear: to create an experience that uplifts, informs, and unites the region in support of those who’ve served.

“We may be a small town, but this is a cause that affects every community,” Porter said. “Together, we can create a culture of care—one step, one voice, and one veteran at a time.”