Natalie Taylor, Neila Lawrence, Olivia Pierce and Wanda Gilbert cheer for the finishers.

Scott Bodine runs with his dog, Stone.

Rick Maehlmann nears the finish line.

Heather Cobb, Kendra Brown and Janet Harvey work the registration table for the suicide prevention 5K.

Thursday’s event draws about 170 participants to raise awareness about suicide prevention.

About 170 people participated in Thursday’s 5K for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

Brig. Gen. Christine Beeler, commander of Army Contracting Command, addressed the runners and walkers assembled at the start of the 3.1-mile run/one-mile walk near the ChildWise building off Vincent Drive.

“Today is about connection. Connect to protect,” she said. “Support is in reach.”

She mentioned the community resources represented at the wellness fair which was part of the morning’s event. The Garrison conducted a Redstone town hall afterward.

“We lose too many people to suicide,” Beeler said. “So today is about connectiveness.”