About the Race
Beat the Blues Cruise is a 5K Run/Walk. We operate as a 501(c)(3). In our inaugural event we welcomed over 500 participants. We have donated $100,000+ to local and national suicide awareness and prevention non-profits. The mission of BTBC is to raise awareness about suicide and its prevention. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. Approximately 45,000 Americans die from suicide each year. Our hope is that by providing information and education, we can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and its prevalence. Proceeds will be donated to organizations dedicated to providing mental health care. The 2025 recipients are Healing Patriots (healing patriots.org) and Custom Canines (custom canines.org) for our national and local charities respectively. Past recipients have included the Farmer Angel Network, The National Suicide Hotline, The Trevor Project, The Jed Foundation, Journey Mental Health, among others.
The Founders
Emelle Holmes-Drammeh PA, Kristine Bathke MD, Bryan Hotujec MD
Special tribute to Rylan Ezman, BTBC 2023