Henrico man hopes to inspire others to 'run with a purpose'

Daryl Simmons strives to empower people to reach their full potential in every element of life and hopes to raise awareness about the positive effects of exercise on mental health with his Running With A Purpose 5k.

Set to take place on Aug. 7 from 9 a.m. to noon at Dorey Park in Varina, the first-ever event is designed to encourage people of all ages to “walk or run, just get it done,” Simmons said. During any type of physical movement, the body releases endorphins and serotonin, known as “happy chemicals,” which improve mood, sleep regulation cycle and lowers the risk of heart disease, Simmons said.

“It's just that you get that improved mood, you feel fulfilled after you run or exercise, you feel better, you feel more energized, you're more productive and your focus is more clear,” he said.

Simmons, who personally runs 5ks and works in the mental health field, saw the effects of the pandemic on people’s mental and physical health and wanted to organize an event himself. Though his initial plans to host the event in May fell through, he hopes it will become an annual event next May (National Mental Health Month).

“I'm very passionate about the benefits of exercise in regards to mental health because I feel like a lot of people don't know that exercising can really kind of relieve some of that anxiety, depression and stress management, etc.,” he said, “so I think this would be something good for the community annually.”

Running With A Purpose 5k is partnering with organizations such as Gold’s Gym, Food Lion, GirlTrek and Mental Health of America Virginia, with a few small businesses in attendance, including one that creates journals to improve mental health. Another vendor will be a farm carrying fresh produce, which will be selling alongside the Dorey Park Farmers Market.

“The whole theme of the event is health, holistic health,” he said, “so I wanted to bring both areas – mental health resources and nutritional.”

Simmons, who went to Varina High School and grew up going to Dorey Park, felt it would be a great venue for the event. He is encouraging everyone of all ages to participate, particularly the older population that may have some physical limitations but can reap the same benefits just from walking.

The event allows participants to sign-up online or in-person from 8 a.m. to noon Aug. 7. A portion of the proceeds from the 5k will be donated to Mental Health of America Virginia and Community 50/50, which are both non-profits geared towards the betterment of all individuals.

“[Exercising] is my primary coping skill,” he said, “so I just try to spread as much awareness as I can about it.”