PORTSMOUTH — About 50 people took laps around the Portsmouth High School track Sunday morning, but it wasn’t part of their normal fitness routine.

They were there for a good cause: raising money for The Herren Project, which increases awareness of and provides support to people impacted by substance use disorder.

The walkathon was organized by PHS student Mikael Boahin for his senior project.

“I just felt like raising money for a local charity,” Mikael said while sorting Herren Project T-shirts that were given away to participants before the event. “I knew I wanted to commit funds to combat something like alcohol. The Herren Project is local, it’s here.”

Participants were asked to walk at least five laps around the track. Among those stretching their legs were Herren Project co-founders Chris and Heather Herren.

“I want to thank Portsmouth High School for hosting this event, the Herren Project for all their contributions, North End Pizza for contributing pizza, My Rolling Cafe (food truck) for being a vendor, and all those who donated,” Mikael  told participants before they stepped off.

He said he could not have pulled the event off without the collaborative efforts of the Portsmouth Prevention Coalition; Bonnie Sawyer of The Herren Project; his mentor, Sean Casey; and his mother.

Mikael has committed to play soccer next fall for Johnson & Wales University, where he plans on studying sports and event management.