4th Annual Mentoring Matters 5K

🏃‍♂️ Event Overview

• Date: 2025-08-09
• Location: Forest Park (Monkey House), Springfield, MA
• Registration: Takes place at the Monkey House
• Parking: Park in Cyr Arena Parking lot

👟 About the Race

• Purpose: The Mentoring Matters 5K run/walk hosted by the Follow My Steps nonprofit organization aims to raise awareness for the need for mentorship in under-resourced communities.
• Organization: Follow My Steps is a Springfield Massachusetts-based non-profit organization offering Youth Mentoring, Career & Skill Development, and Financial Resources.
• Registration Options: Runners and walkers can register as teams or individuals and have the option to fundraise as a team.
• Tee Shirt: Included in registration (limited availability)

🤝 About Follow My Steps

• Young Adults with Mentors: 55% more likely to enroll in college
• Leadership Roles: 130% more likely to hold leadership positions
• Volunteerism: 78% more likely to volunteer regularly
• Mentorship Interest: 90% are interested in becoming a mentor

Our organization is headed by strong professional who are dedicated to elevating under-resourced students and their families. We understand that there is a disproportionate representation of minorities in key decision-making positions in all facets of leadership in the current time. We aim to close that gap by providing deserving students with the opportunity for financial, mental, and professional education. By offering mentorships to scholarship recipients, we aim to grow a network of like-minded individuals who will continuously give back to their communities and others alike.

🌐 Virtual 5K Option

• Event Hashtag: #MentoringMatters5K
• Activity Choice: Participants can choose their preferred distance and activity, such as running, walking, or dancing.
• Completion Timeline: It can be completed at any time from now until August 25th.
• Registration Fee: The $40 registration fee serves as a donation to support resources for youth empowerment.

Participants are encouraged to share post-challenge photos with the hashtag #MentoringMatters5K. Additionally, participants are encouraged to track their activity time and distance using a smartphone or smartwatch.

🔗 Learn More

Visit the race page for more information and to register!