The 437 Project Is Running Across South Dakota Again

An Inspiring Journey: The 437 Project Returns

You may remember seeing something about a group of 12 people running across South Dakota last year. It was an incredible physical accomplishment, but it was about much more than running.

The 437 Project is returning this September with another relay-style journey across the state, once again bringing attention to an issue that affects far too many South Dakotans: mental health.

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The mission of The 437 Project is to raise awareness about mental health while raising money for the Helpline Center and other organizations across South Dakota. Last year's statewide crossing raised more than $322,000, bringing the project's four-year fundraising total to more than $1 million.

This year's runners will begin their journey at 4:30 a.m. Mountain Time on Thursday, September 17, at the South Dakota/Wyoming border. They will run relay style across the state before completing the journey on Sunday, September 20.

Meet This Year's Runners

The 437 Project brings together community leaders from throughout South Dakota, including:

Ashley Gaspar — Project Manager, Signature Companies, Sioux Falls
Carly Heard — Assistant Dean of Student Success & Accreditation, University of South Dakota, Burbank
Dan Hermanson — Store Leader, Scheels, Sioux Falls
Jeremy Ballew — Program Manager, Avera Employee Assistance Program/Avera Behavioral Health, Sioux Falls
Joel Sylvester — Owner and Chief Client Officer, Five Star Call Centers, Sioux Falls
John Etrheim — Financial Advisor, Edward Jones
Megan Etrheim — Registered Nurse, Avera Heart Hospital, Sioux Falls
Katlyn Gustafson — Human Rights Investigator, South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Pierre
Mary Beth Fishback — CEO, Brookings Behavioral Health & Wellness, Brookings
Sarina Talich — Sheriff, Lake County Sheriff's Office, Madison
Shannon Kubik — Legacy Consultant, Keep Farmers Farming, Hamill

Five Chances to Meet the Runners

The run isn't just about the miles. Throughout the four-day journey, the public will have five opportunities to meet the runners, learn more about The 437 Project, and enjoy local food trucks and yard games.

This year's community events will also feature special guest Nathan Harmon, who shares his powerful story of transforming his pain into purpose following addiction, loss, and incarceration.

The free community events are:

Mitchell: Wednesday, September 16, 10:00–11:30 a.m. CT at the Sherman Center at Dakota Wesleyan University
Rapid City: Wednesday, September 16, 6:00–7:00 p.m. MT at Hilton Garden Inn Rapid City
Pierre: Friday, September 18, 4:00–5:00 p.m. CT at Drifters Bar & Grille
Madison: Saturday, September 19, 7:00–8:00 p.m. CT at United Methodist Church. This is a new stop for 2026.
Sioux Falls: Sunday, September 20, 1:00–2:00 p.m. CT at Levitt at the Falls

Impact Beyond the Finish Line

The 437 Project is a reminder that sometimes a single step can be part of something much bigger. While the runners will be putting hundreds of miles behind them, the ultimate goal is to help make sure people facing mental health challenges don't have to face them alone.

Donations to The 437 Project provide ongoing support to people who have lost a family member or friend to suicide, connecting them with resources and support groups to help them navigate the grieving process.

Funds raised also help people experiencing a mental health crisis gain access to critical resources when they need them most.

It's a long run across South Dakota, but the impact can reach far beyond the finish line.