Tenth Annual Race Of Hope To Defeat Depression In Southampton Welcomes 1100 Participants And Raises Over $500,000 For Depression Research

The Hope for Depression Research Foundation’s 10th annual 5K Race of Hope brought together 1100 attendees on Sunday, August 3, in Southampton Village in support of research and mental health awareness. Singer, songwriter, mental health advocate, and the daughter of legendary musician Billy Joel and supermodel and actress Christie Brinkley, Alexa Ray Joel, cheered on the crowd as Celebrity Grand Marshal.

The landmark event raised over $500,000 for research into new and improved treatments for depression and anxiety. For twenty years, HDRF has hosted educational events and has worked tirelessly to educate the public that depression is a medical illness, while supporting the essential science that will lead to better treatment and prevention for future generations. In addition to the Race of Hope, HDRF holds annual events such as the HOPE Luncheon every November in NYC to continue to change the public’s perception of mental illness.

HDRF founder and Hamptons resident, Audrey Gruss, served with Joel as Co-Grand Marshal of the 5K Walk/Run (3.1 miles), which is a USA Track and Field-sanctioned event. Southampton Mayor William Manger Jr. also made a surprise appearance to lend his support and cheer on the runners and walkers.

At the opening ceremony, Audrey Gruss said, “Depression affects almost a third of Americans, no matter what age, sex, gender, education, or socioeconomic level. It can be a very difficult struggle, and it is important to get help. The Race marks ten years of raising awareness, while our scientists have been working tirelessly to find the root causes of depression and develop new, more effective treatments. You’ve all been here for so many years supporting us and helping us to make that happen.”

Celebrity Grand Marshal Alexa Ray Joel said, “I have so much respect for this foundation and its mission, which is to end depression through research, education, and spreading awareness as a community, like we’re all doing today. This is a deeply personal cause for me. As someone who has struggled with depression and anxiety my whole life, sometimes the hardest part is just to show up. It’s true you are not alone in this fight. Thank you for showing up today and giving us all something to hope for.”

Hope and positivity were in the air as participants set off from the starting line to complete the 3.1-mile course around Lake Agawam and the tree-lined streets of Southampton. They created a parade of sunshine, with everyone sporting t-shirts and caps in HDRF’s signature sunshine yellow. The Sage & Madison Coffee Truck, sponsored by Chris Coffee of Sag Harbor, was parked outside to give participants and spectators that extra morning boost for their race.

At the close of the Race, Audrey Gruss handed out awards in several categories, including First Prize for best male to Jordan Daniel and First Prize for the best female time to Jenny Grimshaw. The award for the Top Team Fundraiser went to Shelly Bergman’s team, which raised $50,878. The award for Top Individual Fundraiser went to Kim Heirston, who raised $16,800 from friends and family for her race. The award for the largest team went to Le Bilboquet with 64 members. Second and third place awards were given to Team Dopo Argento, who raised $9,425, followed by Team Michelle Farmer, who raised $6,515.

The first 950 participants to pick up their gear received an HDRF-branded ultra-lightweight jacket, hat, and race shirt. All racers received a finisher medal.

Race participants included Alina de Almeida and John Paulson, Diego Binetti, Janna Bullock, Michelle Farmer, Richard LeFrak, Jamee and Peter Gregory, Josh Gruss, Kim Heirston, Catherine Hormats, Nastasha Jefferies, Simone Levinson, Bryan Ludwig, Margo and Jimmy Nederlander, Tatiana and Campion Platt, Teresa and James Remez, Lis Waterman, Sarah and Andrew Wetenhall.

HDRF has been a leader in depression research since its inception in 2006, convening top neuroscientists from different universities to work together as a team. They collaborate and pool data to better understand the root causes of depression in the brain and to accelerate the next generation of treatments.  Currently, a clinical trial for a new category of medication is underway at Mount Sinai and Stanford, with several others in the pipeline.