Cardigan Runners Raise Money for Mental Health Awareness

By Leo Song ’26, originally published in Verbatim, Cardigan’s student-run newspaper

As we wrap up the fall term and move on to spirit week, the Funsie Onesie Runsie is coming up! Therefore, Jack Manley ’26 and Jason Kim ’26, the two captains of the Varsity Cross Country Team, will give us their thoughts on what the race will look like, and School Counselor Mrs. Trish Hutchinson P’20,’22 will tell us about the motivation behind the Funsie Onesie Runsie.

What is your favorite part of the Funsie Onesie Runsie?

Jason: There are a lot of things I like about the Funsie Onesie Runsie, but I think my favorite part of it is that we can show that we care about the community outside of Cardigan. The run is mostly for spreading awareness about mental illnesses, and that is amazing.

What is the Funsie Onesie Runsie?

Jack: The Funsie Onesie Runsie is a race we hold at Cardigan on our cross-country course. Anyone is welcome to join, and we encourage teams to do it together. Costumes are encouraged but not required. This year, we are supporting the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) NH and raising money for them, while also raising awareness about mental health. We hope to raise $500, but any amount is awesome! We will have prizes and hope that everyone has a great time.

What was the motivation behind running the Funsie Onesie Runsie?

Mrs. Hutchinson: The Funsie Onesie Runsie has actually been run by the Cross Country Team every year since 2019. Faculty legends Missy Escalante P’20,’22 and Chris Klein were behind the first fun run that has now become a tradition at Cardigan. I think they just wanted to find a fun way to bring the community together and join the Cross Country Team for a final run of the season. For me, I am always seeking out ways for us to bring awareness to mental health, and to find opportunities to talk about this important topic and to help students to think about the mental health of others as well. Knowing that this happens every year during this season, I thought it would be a way to raise awareness and support NAMI NH, an organization that has been dedicated to educating and supporting individuals impacted by mental illness and suicide since 1982. Positive Tracks––a local nonprofit that helps young people to create their own athletic challenges designed to champion a cause they choose––Jack, and Jason have been great partners in helping us promote this event. I have been so grateful for that. I am also deeply thankful to Coaches Wilkinson and Warren for letting me be involved in this event this year and making it a fun fundraiser for NAMI NH.

Why is it called the Funsie Onesie Runsie?

Mrs. Hutchinson: Again, I did not create this epic tradition, but I think if we were to ask legends Mrs. Escalante and Mr. Klein they would say... It is FUN(sie). We are ONE (and we wear ONESIES) And we RUN(sie). People can walk it as well, but I would encourage you to run. It is good practice for the Lake Run!