Depression Awareness Goal Of Grass Valley Thanksgiving Run

Suicide prevention and early detection of depression are the goals of an annual Thanksgiving Day event in Grass Valley.

The event is a 5-K and 10-K run and walk. It's called the Michael Bratton II Turkey Trot, named for a Grass Valley resident who took his own life when he was 25. The race was created 11 years ago by Bratton's parents: Robin and Mike. They both appeared on Insight with Beth Ruyak.

"I didn't realize how depressed he was. And I think a lot of times we hide that depression," says Robin Bratton.

"As a father I feel I've failed," says Mike Bratton. "I mean, we're the parents and how could we let this happen to our child? Well, we didn't let it happen. But now we can help other people."

Money raised from entrance fees goes to Nevada County community groups like the counseling center Anew Day. Mike Bratton will address runners before they cross the start line.

"It's very emotional for me," says Bratton. "I can hardly get through my talk without tearing up. And that's okay because people understand our feelings toward our son and our feelings toward our community."

About 3,000 people are expected to take part in the event which starts at Nevada Union High School's Hooper Stadium.

It's one of several Thanksgiving running events in the region. The biggest is Run to Feed the Hungry, a benefit for the Sacramento Food Bank. More than 28,000 people are expected to run and walk the course, which winds through the streets of East Sacramento.