The Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run organizers recently donated $12,000 to the Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation for trail improvements at Smith Falls State Park near Valentine.
The check brings the total raised during the annual memorial run hosted by the Vanderheiden family and the Platte River Valley Fitness Series based in North Platte to more than $52,000 over the past six years.
The road run, hosted in person and virtually each May, aims to increase awareness of mental health, suicide prevention, and the healing power of spending time in nature.
"The empty spot in our hearts for Tyler will never change, but we choose to let our loss become something meaningful for others. Our hope is through Tyler's story, someone finds the courage to speak about their struggles and feels less alone," said Shannon Vanderheiden, Tyler's mother. "Every step taken in his memory is a reminder that Tyler's life mattered, his story matters and the love we carry for him will continue to make a difference."
The Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run began in 2020 to be a space for healing and support for those who struggle with mental health or know someone who has, and since 2022, it has benefitted park trails across the state.
Prior donations supported trail improvements, including accessibility enhancements, at Platte River SP, Fort Kearney State Recreation Area, and Smith Falls.
This year's donation will support future trail improvements to the Jim MacAllister Nature Trail, a 1.5-mile hiking path through the Niobrara River Valley, one of Nebraska's unique ecosystems.
"We thank the Vanderheiden Family and Platte River Valley Fitness for their continued support for Nebraska State Parks trails," said Jeff Fields, parks division administrator at Game and Parks. "We truly appreciate the partnership in creating multi-generational, recreational opportunities within our park system, and we are honored to recognize Tyler's memory through these legacy projects."
The race's impact extends beyond trail improvements. Each year, people from all 50 states and nearly every county in Nebraska participate, and the race continues to resonate with runners — and walkers — who want to shed light on mental health and available resources.
The 2027 race is set for May 29. Learn more at OutdoorNebraska.gov and search for "Tyler Vanderheiden Memorial Run."