Life Worth Living 5K and WALK

Event Overview

The Life Worth Living 5K Run, Walk and Family Fun Day at Abbott Farms is an event to raise awareness to prevent suicide.

Course Details

• Inclusivity: The 5K course is open to all, whether looking for a competitive race or just a fun time.
• Unique Experience: The road and trial course will run through various areas on the farm, including roads through the housing development behind Abbott Farms.
• Memorial Orchard: The course features a very special memorial orchard remembering over 50 victims with local ties who lost their battle to suicide.
• Timed Race: Runners will be timed utilizing chips.

Family Fun Activities

• Treats: There will be ice cream, bakery goods, berry picking, and a variety of other family fun activities.
• Animal Interaction: Don't forget to visit the baby animals in the barnyard.
• Cider House Grille: The Cider House Grille will be open with a full menu of grilled entrees and treats.
• Family Focused: Abbott Farms is well known for providing lots of fun on the farm for families and kids!

In Memory of Zach Helfrich

The event is in memory of Zach Helfrich, a former employee of Abbotts. All who knew Zach remember his smile, sense of humor, and kindness. Zach had just turned 19 and graduated Baker High School. He was headed to Virginia Tech and accepted into the prestigious Corps of Cadets, US Army ROTC. Military service was his lifelong dream. We were incredibly proud of him. Sadly, Zach unexpectedly took his life on the morning of August 16, 2019. Let's celebrate our love for Zach as well as others who lost their lives to suicide, at the Life Worth Living day at Abbotts. With your help, we can raise awareness to prevent other similar tragedies.

About the Zach Helfrich Memorial Fund

The Zach Helfrich Memorial Fund, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our mission is to build awareness, support effective treatment programs and reduce the prevalence of suicide among young people in our communities. To date, we have raised over $100,000, all of which has stayed in our community to support programs to reduce suicides among our teenagers and young adults. Among other things:

• Endowment: We have established an endowment in Zach Helfrich's name to support the Upstate Medical University's Psychiatry High Risk Program which is a highly effective outpatient treatment center for adolescents and young people at high risk of suicide.
• Success Stories: They have phenomenal success and are truly saving young lives.
• Mental Health Support: We are supporting the new Mental Health Respite Program at Elmcrest Children's Center in Syracuse which provides residential care for children and teens in crisis.
• Community Support: The Fund also supports our local chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Packet Pick-Up Information

• Pre-Race Registration: Friday, August 15, 2025, from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
• Race Day Registration: Saturday, August 16, 2025 - Same-day Registration does not guarantee a shirt or medal from 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
• Location: Abbott Farms, 3275 Cold Springs Rd, Baldwinsville, NY 13027

More Information

For additional details, visit the race page: Life Worth Living 5K.