The Overnight Experience

The Out of the Darkness Overnight is an 18-mile journey through the night, from dusk until dawn. It's a unique opportunity to bring the issues of depression and suicide into the light as we walk together to turn heartbreak into hope for tomorrow.
We will begin at approximately 7:00 pm on Saturday evening with a short, reflective and motivating Opening Ceremony framed by the setting sun. As the Overnight community comes together as a group for the first time, you can't help but be swept up in the excitement and anticipation as everyone prepares to start their extraordinary journey.

While remembering loved ones lost to suicide and those still suffering, we'll also acknowledge the sense of hope and determination inherent in this event and its participants. The community that took shape during your event preparations will grow and strengthen from this point on, providing inspiration for everyone involved.

After the Opening Ceremony, you'll set off on your walk with Crew members, volunteers and your friends and family there to support you. You walk at your own pace on a carefully planned and clearly marked route. You'll walk the distance that is right for you. If you get tired or need help of any kind, we have vehicles continually patrolling the route - so you can be picked up and brought to the next Rest Stop or to the Midnight Meal. There will be Rest Stops approximately every 2 miles keeping you fueled and hydrated with plenty of water, sports drink, and snacks (Port-A-Potties, too!). Medical support is also available.
Walking through the night among so many others united by a common goal will give you an entirely different perspective of Boston. Throughout the event, you'll feel safe and cared-for in a place where everyone supports each other and understands their need to be there. It's a place to cry, laugh, mourn, remember, heal, and look toward the future without forgetting the past.

Upon completing the route, everyone will gather back at the Ceremonies site on Sunday morning. Sweep vehicles will continue patrolling the route and can bring you all the way to the site of the Closing Ceremony if needed, to make sure you get there in time.

Starting at 5:00 am, the Closing Ceremony completes the event with a celebration of community and a reinforcement of your accomplishments. Imagine standing in the crowd amongst so many who have together completed this tremendous journey. Each has their own reasons, thoughts and memories, yet collectively you've all made a loud, proud statement that suicide and depression can and will be brought out of the darkness. You'll be so gratified to feel that you've been an integral part of something so important, and you've done it not only for yourself, but also for your loved ones, for survivors of suicide loss and for all those affected by suicide and depression. You'll be joined by family, friends, the media and guests who recognize the enormity the event. The feeling will stay with you long after the walk has ended.

Follow our blog to experience The Overnight through the words, photos, and videos of our participants, past and present.

Experience the Overnight Video: