Running for hope: 22-year-old journeys across Utah for suicide prevention

SALT LAKE CITY — A 22-year-old Utahn is on a 420-mile journey across Utah on foot in an attempt to raise money for suicide awareness.

Adam Burns said that he decided he wanted to do something difficult to raise money for suicide prevention over a year ago. He has struggled with his mental health for most of his life, and at times, he had absolutely no hope that the future would be any better.

It was fitness and running that started to change things for him.

“497 days ago, I started a run streak. My goal was to just make it 100 days of running every day, and then through that, I kind of started to fall in love with running, and it sort of fixed my mental health issues,” he said.

 

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His personal struggles have inspired him to help others by showing that things get better and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

But he didn’t realize that the message would be reflected right back towards him. When running gets hard, he’s joined by countless people who are moved by his message and cheering him on.

“We’ve had a ton of people come out and share their stories and explain why the cause is important to them,” he said. “The first two days were really rough, and then seeing all of the impact it has been making has made it a lot easier to push through when it gets painful.”

One of those messages of support came from Sarah Warcup.

“We have a personal connection to his cause. My daughter Thalia passed away four months ago in July to suicide,” Warcup explained. “I found out about Adam’s ‘Run For Hope’ across Utah for suicide prevention when he was on day two of his journey, and I talked to my family and asked, ‘Hey, do you guys want to go join Adam for part of his run?’ and immediately they were all, ‘Yes, we want to join him.'”

Warcup, her husband, her 20-year-old son and her 16-year-old daughter joined Burns on day three of his journey for 10 miles near Utah County.

“You can just see from his story and his ambition that he’s a survivor and he’s encouraging others to also be a survivor,” she said. “I mean, how incredible. What a huge gesture of love for others. It’s just incredible and inspiring.”

The run started in Cornish, right by the Idaho border, then on through Ogden, Salt Lake City and Saratoga Springs. On Wednesday morning, Burns was passing through Delta. He’d been running around 40 miles a day so far.

“I think Milford is the next town. We’re about to enter, like, a 65-mile stretch where there’s no towns or anything, so kind of in the middle of nowhere,” he said. “But I’m actually holding up surprisingly well considering I’ve run, you know, a little over 220 miles.”

Warcup said that while Burns seemed physically tired when she joined him on day three, his spirit was unbroken.

“Boy, was he still vibrant and passionate,” she emphasized. “His spirit and morale are still very high.”

To Warcup, Burns has been an example of speaking up for those in need and a reminder that no one is alone.

“If someone out there needs help, please reach out and get help. You are loved, and there is hope. Don’t listen to the voices that are telling you otherwise,” she said. “And if you’re inspired to reach out to someone, don’t delay. Follow those promptings, those inspirations that you receive. You never know how much of a difference that could make in someone’s life.”

Burn’s message to those watching his journey is simple.

“Spread love, work hard, be kind, have fun and never lose hope,” he said. “That’s my message.”

So far, Burns has raised over $10,000. You can support the cause by donating to therunforhope.com, following Burns on social media or even joining him on the run. He’s projected to reach St. George by Sunday.

Suicide prevention resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or exhibiting warning signs, call, text, or chat the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 which is answered 24/7/365 by crisis counselors at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute. All calls to legacy crisis hotlines, including the old National Suicide Prevention hotline, 1-800-273-8255, will also connect to a crisis care worker at the Huntsman Mental Health Institute as well.

Additional resources

• SafeUT: Parents, students, and educators can connect with a licensed crisis counselor through chat by downloading the SafeUT app or by calling 833-3SAFEUT (833-372-3388)
• SafeUT Frontline: First responders, including firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, and healthcare professionals can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUT Frontline app.
• SafeUTNG: Members of the National Guard can chat with a licensed crisis counselor at no cost 24/7/365 by downloading the SafeUTNG app.
• Utah Warm Line: For non-crisis situations, when you need a listening ear as you heal and recover from a personal struggle, call 1-833 SPEAKUT 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m., 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
• The Huntsman Mental Health Institute offers a wide variety of programs and services including suicide prevention and crisis services, hospital treatment, therapy & medication management, substance Use & addiction recovery, child & teen programs, and maternal mental health services including birth trauma, pregnancy loss, infertility, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
• LiveOnUtah.org is a statewide effort to prevent suicide by promoting education, providing resources, and changing Utah’s culture around suicide and mental health. They offer resources for faith based groups, LGBTQ+, youth, employers, firearm suicide prevention, and crisis and treatment options.