When you think of the Flying Pig Weekend, your mind might go straight to the marathon or the half. But one of its shortest events—the ASICS Blue Jean Mile—might just pack the biggest punch. And this year, it's running with a purpose.

Scheduled for May 1 at 7 p.m., the second annual Blue Jean Mile is partnering with 1N5, a Cincinnati-based nonprofit dedicated to breaking the stigma around mental health and preventing suicide. The event runs alongside the Fifty West Mile, but its mission goes far beyond the finish line.

The name 1N5 comes from a sobering statistic: one in five people experience a mental health condition. The organization brings suicide prevention training into schools, workplaces, and communities. Nancy Eigel-Miller, founder and executive director of 1N5, puts it simply: "Everybody has mental health, and we need to do things to take care of it."

Jess Hartley, 1N5's development manager and head softball coach at Turpin High School, sees a natural connection between athletics and mental wellness. "We know that healthy activities and exercise are really protective for our mental health," she says. "The Blue Jean Mile is a great opportunity to raise visibility."

The event itself has an inspiring origin story. Six years ago, professional middle-distance runner Johnny Gregorek wanted to honor his brother Patrick, who died by suicide at just 21 years old. To celebrate Patrick's sense of humor, Johnny set out to break the world record for the fastest mile run in blue jeans. He laced up a pair of ASICS, pulled on some Levi's, and aimed to raise $2,500 for the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

He crushed the record—and the goal. The running community rallied behind his mission, raising over $37,000. ASICS took notice and turned that single, heartfelt run into an annual tradition. Now, the ASICS Blue Jean Mile brings runners together not just to compete, but to start conversations that matter.

So whether you're chasing a personal best or just lacing up for the cause, remember: every step you take in those jeans is a step toward breaking the silence. Because mental health is a race we all run together.