OXFORD – On Saturday, runners and walkers from across Chenango County will lace up their running shoes to raise money for suicide prevention and awareness in the inaugural Team Chenango 5K.

Proceeds will support Team Chenango’s efforts to raise money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Overnight.

The team, led by captain Danielle Marshman Williamson, succeeded in raising close to $19,000 for this year’s event, an 18-mile dusk ‘til dawn walk held in New York City this past June. Next year, the trek will take place in San Francisco. They will kick off their fundraising efforts with the 5K, which they also hope will help raise awareness for a cause which is close to all of their hearts.

Like each member of the team, Williamson has a personal reason for raising money for the cause. She knows firsthand what it’s like to lose a loved one by their own hand. Her father, Dan Marshman, committed suicide ten years ago. Marshman was a respected community and agricultural leader who hid his battle with depression from all but those closest to him for many years. As a part of her own healing in the wake of his death, Williamson has become dedicated to supporting the efforts of AFSP, which strives to prevent suicide through education and awareness about depression and other mood disorders.