One week to go: Join in Westerville’s Night of Hope 5K & Family Fun Run!

Night of Hope Mark your calendars, lace up your sneakers, and bring the whole family – because one of Westerville’s most inspiring community events is back.

The Night of Hope 5K, 1-Mile, and Family Fun Run will return to Westerville North High School on Saturday evening, Aug. 23.

The Night of Hope isn’t just a race. Hosted by the Westerville Education Challenge (WEC), the Night of Hope is a powerful evening dedicated to promoting mental health awareness, celebrating lives, and supporting students across the Westerville City School District.

WEC’s 4th Annual Night of Hope will take place from 5:30-8:30 Saturday, Aug. 23, at North’s Jim McCann Stadium and the beautiful North cross-country course.

Whether you’re running the 5K, walking the 1-mile course, or enjoying the free Family Fun Run, this event is all about supporting mental health awareness and social-emotional learning in Westerville City Schools.

The 2025 Night of Hope is just a week away! Please register now to be part of the fun and support WEC.

Choose your course

Family Fun Run– FREE! | Starts at 6:15 p.m.
5K Run/Walk– $40 | Starts at 6:45 p.m.
1-Mile Walk– $30 | Starts at 6:50 p.m.

Food, fun and family

Free Jet’s Pizza for all participants and volunteers, courtesy of our wonderful sponsor Jet’s Pizza
Kona Ice Truck for a refreshing treat
Games and activities hosted by Hope Squad students from all three Westerville high schools.

Mental health partners

Stop by the Mental Health Resource Fair at the Night of Hope to connect with local organizations offering support and education:

Westerville Public Library
NAMI Ohio
Concord Counseling
the Franklin County Suicide Prevention Coalition
Starfish Associates
Good Medicine Productions
Grief Recovery Method
Bev Martin Essential Oils
Nationwide Children’s Hospital
With support from the City of Westerville.

Fill the Big Bus: Rotary Club Food Drive

In partnership with the Rotary Club of Westerville and The Big Bus, the Fill the Big Bus Middle School Food Drive will be collecting donations at the Night of Hope event – a repeat of last year’s successful partnership. Help stock the student pantries at Westerville middle schools and support children in need as we head into the school year. Learn more here.

Why we run

WEC’s mission is to help create school cultures where every student feels safe, supported, and celebrated. Proceeds from the Night of Hope, growing to be WEC’s principal fundraiser, fund impactful programs including: