Northern Caribbean University (NCU) Media Group has scheduled the 2026 staging of its Wellness 5K Run/Walk for November 22 in an effort to strengthen greater understanding, reduce stigma, and encourage more compassionate responses to people facing mental health challenges.

Being held under the theme ‘Running for the Whole You: Championing Mental Health’,this year’s event will see the addition of a wellness fair which will offer free health screenings, a vegetarian cooking demonstration, counselling services, a farmers market, prayer stations, and a children’s village.

“I am delighted to see the return of the NCU FM Wellness 5K Run/Walk to Mandeville,” a release from the Seventh-day Adventist Church quotes NCU Media Group General Manager Fabia Phillips Lawrence. “This event is more than a race; it brings our community together, promotes healthy living, and encourages individuals and families to make wellness a priority.”

“We are also excited to introduce our first-ever NCU FM Wellness Fair, which makes the day a one-stop wellness event because we want to inspire healthier lifestyles and reinforce
NCU FM’s commitment to education and wellness,” Phillips added.

Manchester Festival Queen 2026 Dr Melissa Flinch, who is a passionate mental health advocate, will serve as the event’s patron.

The release quotes her as saying, “Being part of the NCU FM Wellness 5K Run/Walk and Wellness Fair is an opportunity to remind people that mental health deserves our attention and care.”

FLINCH… every step we take is a step toward a healthier, more compassionate community

Added Flinch, a medical doctor at Mandeville Regional Hospital: “By coming together we can challenge stigma, encourage honest conversations, and help adults and young people know that seeking support is a sign of strength. Every step we take is a step toward a healthier, more compassionate community.”

The organisers said that proceeds from the event, scheduled to begin at 6:00 am at Mandeville Seventh-day Adventist Church, will benefit Manchester Health Department’s Mental Health Unit.

They expect that it will attract heavy participation, including high school students from Manchester and neighbouring parishes, church groups, corporate teams, families, and members of the wider community.

“By bringing these groups together, NCU FM hopes to make wellness a shared community commitment and spark meaningful conversations that continue well beyond the event,” the organisers said.

Registration costs $2,000 for adults and $1,000 for children aged 12 and under. Participants can register online at
https://my.raceresult.com/424034/.