Men, women and children gather at the starting line ready to run – not only to feel the wind rushing through their hair and their hearts beating, but to show their support for a nonprofit that aims to end domestic violence and sexual assault.
“It creates awareness and the run is a metaphor for how we can make a ‘movement,’ how we can challenge abuse and change lives,” said Anita Castle, director of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services of the San Juan Islands.
The Fourth Annual DVSAS 5K Run and Walk is Saturday, June 9, registration begins at 8 a.m. and the race commences at 9 a.m. at Orcas High School.
The race is one large loop around town, down North Beach Road and finishes at the school. The course is relatively flat and on paved roads or gravel trails.
Awards will be given to the top three female and male finishers and top finishers in eight different age categories.
Participants are urged to set up teams to win a special prize for their support of DVSAS.
“There is an empowerment element to the race – people feel good when they are taking part of something that is bigger than themselves and involves something worthy,” Castle said. “You’re moving, running for a special cause, which is very important.”
The event was started by All American athlete and DVSAS advocate Laura Trevellyn.
The 5K helps to raise funds and raises awareness for the community and how others can be a part of stopping sexual and domestic assault.
Castle said there are still people on the islands that would like to believe that sexual assault does not happen, but its important for everyone to acknowledge abuse happens and that there is hope to end that cycle.
The motto of the race, “be the solution,” is a phrase borrowed from Sexual Assault Awareness month and asks people to not be bystanders and to actively promote change in society.
“Other people standing around can stand up and make a difference,” Castle said. “We want to promote saying something.”
The race is sponsored by Island Market and DVSAS.
Registration entry fees are $15 for 19 year olds and older, $10 for 18 year olds and under and $20 for T-shirts.
For more info, call 376-5979.
