Race of Hope Returns to Palm Beach for Its Seventh Anniversary

On Feb. 15, 2025, the Hope for Depression Research Foundation’s Race of Hope 5K Walk & Run will again bring the Palm Beach community together to support groundbreaking mental health research.

The Hope for Depression Research Foundation’s (HDRF) Race of Hope returns to Palm Beach for its seventh anniversary on Saturday, Feb. 15, uniting the community in a powerful mission to advance mental health research. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Bradley Park, this highly anticipated 5K Walk & Run draws hundreds of participants each year, from dedicated runners to families embracing a morning of movement with a purpose. With Findlay Galleries as the presenting sponsor, the event continues to build upon its legacy, channeling vital support into pioneering research to transform the future of depression treatment.

“This year marks our seventh anniversary in Palm Beach, and we are constantly in awe of the turnout from this community,” said HDRF Founding Chair Audrey Gruss. “At HDRF, our mission is to spread mental health awareness and find new and, most importantly, better treatments for depression research.” Gruss further emphasized the groundbreaking work of HDRF’s Depression Task Force, which has identified 20 genes linked to depression and anxiety, soon advancing into human clinical trials. “This is a major turning point for the mental health research space, and it’s thanks to the support from our community that we are able to make these vital strides in depression research and treatment,” she noted.

Gruss, alongside HDRF Board member Scott Snyder, will lead the charge as co-grand marshals, guiding participants along a scenic 3.1-mile route that winds through the Palm Beach Lake Trail, offering unparalleled waterfront views. Designed to be high-spirited and inclusive, the Race welcomes all paces and generations—whether seasoned athletes, casual walkers, or families with strollers and four-legged companions. The Palm Beach chapter has seen extraordinary growth, with the 2024 Race of Hope drawing nearly 900 participants and raising a record-breaking $900,000. Since its inception in 2016, the Race of Hope series has contributed over $1.5 million to groundbreaking depression research, underscoring the event’s profound impact.

With a steadfast commitment to funding the most advanced scientific discoveries, HDRF continues to expand its reach, hosting the third annual Teen Race of Hope in New York on May 18, 2025, dedicated to mobilizing high school students in the fight against depression. Every dollar raised through these initiatives is directed toward research that redefines the future of mental health treatment. For those eager to participate in this year’s Palm Beach Race of Hope, early registration is now open, with race gear pickup available on Feb. 14 at the Mandel Recreation Center. Click here for more information. Bradley Park, Palm Beach