by Jennifer Schoenberg ·
Friday, May 1, 2026
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the Harvard Fire-EMS Association is hosting the inaugural Longest Mile for Bravest Minds, a 1-mile uphill race on Oak Hill Road finishing at Carlson Orchards Sunday, May 3. The race starts at 11 a.m.
Runners, walkers, families, and first responders will come together for a shared purpose: supporting mental health. A portion of the proceeds will benefit On-Site Academy, a nonprofit in Westminster dedicated to serving first responders and military veterans. Behind every uniform worn by police, firefighters, EMTs, military members, dispatchers, or hospital staff, there is a human being. Some calls leave lasting emotional impacts and recognizing that it’s OK to ask for help is critical.
Prior to the start, traffic control will be in place along Oak Hill Road and the road will be closed for roughly 30 minutes at 11 a.m. with detours in place. We expect close to 200 participants including firefighters walking in gear and using their air packs along with military members in uniform with rucksacks. Beyond the finish line, participants and spectators are encouraged to stay for the community celebration at the Cider Barn. There will be live music, a food truck, Touch-A-Truck, and the fire SAFE trailer demonstrating fire safety messages.
Through this event, we stand together to support one another so that no one must carry those burdens alone. Sign up to see how fast you can run a mile with a 180-foot elevation gain or casually walk up the hill with family and friends knowing you are part of something bigger than yourself. One mile. One hill. One community, united for mental health. Registration and more information can be found here at runsignup.com/Race/MA/Harvard/THELONGESTMILE. We appreciate the support.
Jennifer Schoenberg, chair
The Longest Mile for Bravest Minds Race Committee