Over 49,000 people die by suicide every year in the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The 437 Project is a nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention in the state of South Dakota.
Established in 2022 by Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken, Kelly Marshall, and others, the initiative gathers a team of 12 community leaders to run across the span of the state each year, totaling 437 miles.
“Most people who are physically active can testify to the fact that the primary benefit of physical activity is for your mind, even more so than your body,” said TenHaken.
Both Marshall and TenHaken emphasize the importance of exercise in managing stress, and define how The 437 Project is raising awareness about the critical link between physical and mental health.
Over the span of 72 hours, the 12 runners switch off to run 10-15 mile stretches, as the other runners rest and recover in the van traveling with the team. This year’s event will take place September 25-28.
VOLUNTEER NOW
Every role contributes to the mission, and there are always ways to help.
GO TO THE437PROJECT.ORG/VOLUNTEER-NOW TO FIND OUT MORE.
Each runner is responsible for fundraising for the Helpline Center, the only accredited suicide crisis center in the state. They are also responsible for putting in the training.
Runners now have to go through an application process, whereas when The 437 Project first started there were only 12 runners interested. This past year had around 50 applicants total.
“There is quite a bit of responsibility on the runner,” revealed TenHaken. “They have two big tasks—they have to be able to run 40 miles in 72 hours, which is a lot, and they have to be able to raise a minimum of $10,000 themselves.”
At the end of the 72 hours, the runners reach the finish line in Sioux Falls at Fawick Park, where an event from 1-2 p.m. is held commemorating lives lost. Marshall says the finish line event also celebrates life, the accomplishment of running across the state, and money raised.
“The finish line is a combination of a celebration and somber parts, as well,” said Marshall. “The Memory Mile is where
families have photo signs of their loved ones who have died by suicide. The runners and volunteers pass by all of those people, which is super emotional.”
“I EAT ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING—A LOT OF ENERGY DRINKS AND MCDONALD’S. IT’S ALL JUST CALORIES. CALORIES ARE CALORIES, MAN.”
–PAUL TENHAKEN
TenHaken says the emotional weight of carrying trauma associated with mental health issues, including suicidal ideations and its impacts, is not doable without communal support.
“It’s really powerful when you see families there and the only thing left of their loved ones is their picture and their name,” said Marshall. “They like to be able to say their names and to share them with us.”
Hearing their stories and seeing their faces helps carry on their legacy for participants and community members, Marshall adds.
“It makes it really real for everyone to see those names and faces and those families impacted … seeing their families and friends come together,” added Marshall.
The number of applicants and funds raised is only projected to grow as time goes on, Marshall adds, and aids to the force combating death by suicide.
Helpline Center call volumes continue to go up year after year, TenHaken says, and the support provided is vital to individuals utilizing it.
Along with the Helpline Center, runners raise funds for Live Inspired 365—a nonprofit aimed to uplift people affected by mental illness. They provide micro grants for people who are in need of counseling services and many other essential resources to support their mental wellness.
TenHaken says local businesses and organizations are deeply inspired to contribute to the cause because of how widespread the impact of suicide and mental health issues are.
LIVE INSPIRED 365
Located at 3701 W 49th Street Unit 108 in Sioux Falls, the nonprofit Live Inspired 365 is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health. Care packages and other items are available for purchase to send to a loved one in need.
“I WOULD LOVE FOR ANOTHER STATE TO SEE THIS AND REACH OUT AND SAY, ‘HEY, IOWA WANTS TO DO THE 392 PROJECT,’ AND WE GIVE THEM THE BLUEPRINT FOR HOW YOU DO IT.”
–PAUL TENHAKEN
DIAL 988
988 is the suicide and crisis lifeline number available (call, text, chat) 24/7.
Since its inception in 2022, The 437 Project has raised nearly $1 million, with significant support from the community and organizations like KELOLAND News, Avera Health, and Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, TenHaken adds.
“You have a hard time finding an organization, a business, or a pocket of the community that hasn’t been impacted by mental health or suicide or behavioral health issues in some way,” he continued.
As the team of runners travels across the state, they hear the stories of loved ones who have passed and the struggles people currently face.
“This is something that starts and finishes traversing the entire state,” said TenHaken. “Physically it connects the entire state, and shows these aren’t just Sioux Falls, Mitchell, Redfield, or Sturgis issues, they’re a statewide, nationwide issue.”
For more information, visit THE437PROJECT.ORG+
