Hundreds run for suicide prevention in Pueblo

The Addict to Athlete program hosted its second annual “Not on Our Watch” suicide prevention 5k run in Pueblo Saturday.

“We’re doing it in honor of the superheroes, the people behind the scenes that help with suicide prevention,” Shelby Austin said.

Suicide continues to be a problem in Southern Colorado. Addict to Athlete founder Rob Archuleta said it’s important to bring awareness to help address the problem.

“It’s preventable, we have a great service, great community here in Pueblo,” he said. “We did the hero theme because the people that have survived suicide and that work in the Pueblo suicide prevention field, I just think they’re heroes.”

Runners and walkers dressed as their favorite superheroes to thank those who help prevent suicide.

“There are heroes out there beyond what you see in the movies. There are superheroes and people to look up to beyond what you read in a comic book,” Aaron Smith said. “They’re real life, they’re out there in Pueblo.”

The event raises money for the Pueblo Suicide Prevention Center. Organizers say the center works toward prevention through community education and intervention services.

“Reaching out for help isn’t bad, it’s a positive thing,” Archuleta said. “There is help out there, and it’s free, just to pick up the phone and call.”

Visit the Pueblo Suicide Prevention Center online at http://www.pueblospc.org.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255.