Bob Houghtaling 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk

The Bob Houghtaling 5K & 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Goddard Memorial State Park in Warwick, Rhode Island. This community event supports the Bob Houghtaling Foundation, which focuses on youth mental health, substance abuse prevention, and providing resources for families in the East Greenwich and Warwick areas. The foundation continues the legacy of Bob Houghtaling, a longtime youth advocate known for his decades of service in counseling and community building. Event Schedule and Logistics

The race is held rain or shine, with all activities centered near the park's gazebo and beach area.

Activity	Date	Time / Location
Check-in & Bib Pickup	Sat, May 16, 2026	8:00 AM – 8:45 AM
Welcome Announcements	Sat, May 16, 2026	8:50 AM
5K Start	Sat, May 16, 2026	9:00 AM EDT
1-Mile Fun Run/Walk	Sat, May 16, 2026	10:00 AM EDT

Course Details and Participation

Both races take place entirely within the scenic boundaries of Goddard Memorial State Park, utilizing paved paths and park roads.

• - Dual Participation: Participants registered for the 5K are welcome to join the 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk at 10:00 AM for no additional charge.
• - Youth Policy: Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian throughout the 1-mile event.
• - Awards: Certificates or prizes will be given to the top 3 overall male and female finishers. Additionally, the top male and female finisher in each specific age group will be recognized. Note that winners must be present to receive their awards.
• - Apparel: Event t-shirts are not included with the race entry but can be purchased separately for $20.

Community Impact: Mental Health & Substance Abuse in Rhode Island

The foundation’s work addresses significant public health challenges within the state. Recent data from the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) highlights the following trends:

• - Substance Use: Rhode Island continues to face high rates of accidental overdose; in 2023, the state reported 404 fatal overdoses. Prevention programs targeting youth are critical, as nearly 15% of Rhode Island high schoolers report using illicit substances.
• - Mental Health Access: Approximately 1 in 5 Rhode Island residents live with a mental health condition. Among the state's youth, the need is even more pronounced, with nearly 30% of middle and high school students reporting symptoms of depression or anxiety.
• - Demographic Trends: Recent RIDOH data indicates that while mental health challenges affect all groups, Hispanic and Multi-racial youth in Rhode Island report higher rates of persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness compared to their White peers (approximately 42% vs 34%).
• - Overdose Disparities: While the majority of overdose deaths occur in the White population, the rate of fatal overdoses among Black Rhode Islanders has risen sharply, increasing by over 50% in the last five years, largely due to disparities in access to preventative care and treatment facilities.

Contact Information

For more information regarding sponsorship or registration issues, please contact Ken Walsh at 508-330-2279 or via email at [email protected]. The foundation has a fundraising goal of $5,000 for this year's event to sustain its local counseling and advocacy programs.