Tenth Annual Southampton Race of Hope Raises Over $500,000 For Depression Research

HDRF Welcomed over 1,100 Participants to the Milestone Southampton Race 

The Hope for Depression Research Foundation’s (HDRF) Tenth Annual 5K Race of Hope brought together 1100 men, women and children on Sunday, August 3, in Southampton Village in support of research and mental health awareness. The landmark event raised over $500,000 for research into new and improved treatments for depression and anxiety.

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, NY.  They created a parade of sunshine, with everyone sporting t-shirts and caps in HDRF’s signature sunshine yellow.

Singer/songwriter, mental health advocate and the daughter of legendary musician Billy Joel and supermodel/actress Christie Brinkley, Alexa Ray Joel, cheered on the crowd as Celebrity Grand Marshal. 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 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, who 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 the largest team went to Le Bilboquet with 64 racers.

You can see the Race of Hope in the news and view wonderful photos of the day by following the links below:

You can view all finisher times here.

Our thanks to all our event sponsors, participants, and volunteers. Your support and commitment to HDRF’s critical research mission is truly inspiring and makes a world of difference.