Why Run?

Yusuf stressed the importance of being active and enjoying the gifts of running. Researchers have found that the endorphins released while running actually attach themselves to parts of the brain responsible for emotion. The more endorphins released, the stronger the feeling of euphoria. Running also releases serotonin, which is a natural mood lifter.

Yusuf Neville HAMPTON HOMECOMING 5K

In partnership with Hampton University, BRKTHRU has hosted the Yusuf Neville Hampton Homecoming 5K during homecoming weekend for three years running. BRKTHRU received support from many campus organizations, including volunteers to distribute race bibs, race medals, man water stations throughout the course and clean after the runners.

The costs associated with shirt design, bibs, medals and distribution, planning and reserving the course were taken directly from monies donated to BRKTHRU.

Check out more images from last year's event here.

Miami Marathon, Half Marathon & tropical 5K

BRKTHRU has made the Miami Marathon, Half Marathon and Tropical 5K it's home every January for the last 6 years. It was an immediate favorite of Yusuf and Ryan on their first run in 2013 and took on a completely new purpose in 2014. By 2015, Team BRKTHRU made the Miami Marathon it's first recognized charitable race and the rest has been nothing but a journey in mental fitness and good vibes. The Fitbit Miami Marathon 2018 saw a continued partnership with District Running Collective, bringing down upwards of 75 to Miami for the weekend's events.

BRKTHRU Partners

Dr. Kendall Jasper

Dr. Kendall Jasper has been in private practice since 2009. His research has focused on African-American children, adolescents, and adults related to ethnic identity, achievement in academic settings, and appropriate treatment for individuals who experience an array of mental health difficulties.

Kendell’s professional experience includes Community Mental Health – Outpatient treatment of individuals, families, and group therapy for various rural and urban populations; substance abuse treatment for adolescents and adults; anger management and Behavior Management Training for adults and families. He targeted a community to provide an array of enhanced mental health related services, where he provided psychological evaluations, therapy, and/or case management services. Kendell developed strategies to better serve populations that under utilize mental health services and available resources to help those individuals.

Kendell holds his Ph.D. and M.A. in Clinical Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He received his B.A. in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He is the owner and Clinical Director for ARJ, a mental health agency with offices in North Carolina and Louisiana.

In 2017, Kendall sat down with The Breakfast Club and helped clear up several misconceptions of the mental health community, with a specific focus on minority communities and their hesitation in seeking help from a mental health specialist.

Rwenshaun miller & Eustress

After Rwenshaun Miller was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2006 and attempted to take his life a total of 3 times, he found purpose in the foundation of Eustress - a non-profit of his founding, based in North Carolina. With Eustress, BRKTHRU has partnered on the "Let's Talk About It" Walk every year annually since 2015.

Rwenshaun is a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, Mental Health Advocate, and Social Entrepreneur. Rwenshaun holds a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Montreat College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Rwenshaun's 2017 book Injured Reserve: A Black Man's Playbook To Manage Being Sidelined By Mental Illness analyzes stereotypes, poverty rates, and high incarceration and their effects on black men's mental health.