Peace of Mind 5K Run/Walk

The Peace of Mind 5K Run/Walk 2026 is a community-driven event focused on mental health awareness and fundraising. Scheduled for Sunday, April 26, 2026, at Kiwanis Park in Tempe, Arizona, the race was founded by two sisters with the goal of destigmatizing mental health challenges. Proceeds from the event support the Peace of Mind scholarship fund, which provides financial assistance to individuals seeking professional mental health treatment and preventative care services.

Race Schedule and Logistics

The event center is located at 101 West Baseline Road, with the 5K starting promptly at 07:30 AM. Participants have the option to pick up their race packets on Friday, April 24, at Sole Sports in Tempe, or on race morning starting at 06:30 AM. The course is chip-timed by StartLine Racing, and the event is inclusive of strollers, wheelchairs, and leashed pets. A "Runner's Brunch" featuring fruit and granola bars is provided post-race, followed by an awards ceremony at approximately 08:30 AM for the top three finishers in various age groups ranging from under 8 to over 80.

Regional and Community Context

Tempe is a vibrant city in Maricopa County, Arizona, and part of the Greater Phoenix metropolitan area. As of recent 2024 estimates, Tempe has a population of approximately 186,000 residents. The city is known for its youthful energy, largely due to being the home of Arizona State University’s main campus. This academic presence contributes to a highly educated workforce and a local culture that prioritizes wellness, innovation, and community support systems.

The demographic landscape of Tempe is diverse and dynamic. According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the city's racial composition is approximately 53.8% White (non-Hispanic), 21.7% Hispanic or Latino, 9.3% Asian, and 6.5% Black or African American. Additionally, the community includes 2.6% American Indian and Alaska Native residents. This blend of cultures is reflected in Tempe’s public spaces, such as Kiwanis Park, which serves as a central hub for diverse community gatherings and health-focused events like the Peace of Mind 5K.

Health Awareness and Social Impact

The mission of the Peace of Mind 5K is deeply relevant to current national health trends, particularly as 40 million individuals in the U.S. are diagnosed with anxiety. In Arizona, statistics indicate that approximately 1 in 5 adults experience a mental health condition. Organizers emphasize that preventative care and early treatment are essential tools for fostering a healthy mindset and overcoming the obstacles that lead to debilitating emotional distress.

By providing scholarships for those facing financial barriers to mental health services, the event directly addresses the gap in care accessibility. The two founders utilize the run as a platform to "unite hearts" and shine a light on topics often shrouded in silence. Through corporate sponsorships and a dedicated base of volunteers, the 2026 race continues to build a community where individuals are encouraged to seek help, share their stories, and thrive together.