Event Description

Join us on June 20, 2026 for Sam’s Memorial 5K and Colorful Fun Run/Walk, a special event that brings our community together in support of mental health awareness. The day will include a timed 5K race for runners and a Colorful Fun Run/Walk on the same course for those looking for a more relaxed, family-friendly experience. The Colorful Fun Run/Walk is not timed, and participants are encouraged to wear white as they make their way through stations where they will be showered with vibrant, eco-friendly powder. 

All proceeds will got to the Sam G. Hughes Memorial Scholarship

In addition to the races, the event will feature a water station, after-race snacks, rock painting, and temporary tattoos, creating a fun and meaningful experience for all ages. Come run, walk, celebrate, and honor Sam’s memory while supporting an important cause.

Learn More About Sam
On March 27, 2024, at age 19, Sam died by suicide after a long and courageous battle with mental illness. Sam was a remarkable person, full of warmth and humor, and blessed with an unpredictable spirit that made him unforgettable. He was confident, effortlessly funny, and deeply kind. Whether on the basketball court or baseball field, Sam was a true team player. He loved bright colors, never wore jeans, and had a notorious sweet tooth. Sam carried his struggles quietly, never wanting to burden others with the depth of his pain. Sam's siblings—Jack Hughes, Jack Buckley, Molly Hughes, Juliana Buckley, and Ben Hughes—are dedicated to keeping his memory alive.

In honor of Sam’s memory and the joyful, compassionate person he was, his family has established The Sam G. Hughes Memorial Scholarship at Worcester State University. The first scholarship was awarded in 2025.