The Marysville community gathered on Saturday at Ebey Waterfront Park for the second annual Women’s Health and Wellness Freedom Run, an event dedicated to empowering women and promoting both mental and physical health.
BRE Innovative Solutions, led by Autrina Martindale, organized the run, which saw participation from over 115 individuals including runners, vendors, and volunteers, marking a significant increase from last year’s turnout of 75.
Martindale expressed her vision for the event: “I wanted this to be an example of what community could, should, and hopefully, more frequently in the future would look like.” She noted the challenges of living in a community marked by “political division, social division” for the past decade.
According to Martindale, fostering community connections is crucial. This sense of belonging not only boosts empathy and understanding but also plays a role in enhancing mental health. “I wanted us to lean into what is actually wellness, which is community — not isolation, not a lot of division — so leaning into each other,” she added.
Martindale emphasized the importance of linking mental wellness to physical activity, encouraging women, especially mothers over 40, to maintain their cardiovascular fitness. Research shows that engaging in cardiovascular exercise can enhance brain function, making participation in such events beneficial for mental health.
Sojn Hudson, a member of the planning committee, described the event’s atmosphere of camaraderie. “As people were coming across the finish line, I think that was always exciting. I was there helping cheer folks on and handing out their medal as they came across,” she said, adding that crossing the finish line represented more than just completing a race — it was also about feeling accomplished and positive about one’s health.
The dynamic group of participants included breast cancer survivors, mothers, students who have felt marginalized, and international exchange students, all of whom faced challenges in building community connections. Participants traveled from various areas, including Arlington, Bellingham, Tacoma, Bellevue, and Lynden.
Among the attendees were Marysville City Council members Mark James and Peter Condyles, as well as Ms. Marysville, Anna Hiatt, and Snohomish County Council member Megan Dunn. Dunn shared her pride in sponsoring and assisting with the event’s planning: “Autrina and the other volunteers organized a meaningful event to highlight the need for improving women’s health and wellness,” she noted in an email.
Vendors at the event included organizations such as GirlTREK and the Snohomish County Health Department, which provided information and resources. A community art table offered a creative outlet, while the R3 Wellness Clinic provided free 10-minute massages to attendees.
The event also aimed to promote an upcoming anti-bullying campaign. Martindale announced plans to launch workshops in the Marysville School District geared towards helping young people gain better self-awareness, foster relationships, and learn conflict resolution skills. Her goal is to prevent bullying through a foundation of empathy and community support.
