The Hope for Depression Research Foundation has announced that journalist Katie Couric will be the celebrity Grand Marshal of its Sixth Annual Race of Hope on Sunday, August 8, in Southampton Village. The Race is an annual summer tradition that mobilizes hundreds of participants to raise awareness and funds for mental health research.
HDRF Founding Chair Audrey Gruss and Arthur Dunnam, both Hamptons residents, will join Couric as Co-Grand Marshals of the 2021 Race.
“We’re thrilled to be able to gather in person again for this special day, especially with Katie Couric, whose warm smile is known across the world,” said Audrey Gruss. “Humans are wired to need warm social interaction. The isolation of the pandemic has taken a large toll on the nation’s mental health.”
Gruss noted surveys showing that over one third of Americans are struggling with depression and anxiety in the wake of the pandemic. She said, “As a society we are just beginning to identify the impact of the past 16 months. Understanding and developing treatments for these mental disorders is therefore critically important, and that is what this Race makes possible.”
Couric, Gruss and Dunnam will lead participants on a beautiful 5K (3.1 mile) loop around Lake Agawam in Southampton Village. The Race is open to all ages and speeds and walkers are welcome.
The Race of Hope this year will also offer a virtual component for the thousands of racers who have embraced the cause and want to participate but live far away. They still have the option to sign up and complete the distance in their own hometowns. These racers can share their stories and cheer each other through a special interactive live program broadcast by HDRF over social media on the morning of the actual Race.
To register, visit www.raceofhopeseries.com.