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2nd Annual “For Her Freedom” Aruna Fun Run/Walk (5K & 1 Mile)
August 3 @ 8:30 am – 11:00 am
On Saturday, August 3rd, The Aruna Run/Walk will return for a second year to the streets and pathways of DeKalb. The event will support the work of The Aruna Project, an international human rights non-profit dedicated to freeing, employing, and empowering victims of human sex trafficking. Last year’s inaugural run in DeKalb raised over $30,000 in funds which contributed to the medical care, counseling, transitional housing, and workforce preparation of five survivors.
LOCATION: Christ Community Church (2350 Pride Ave.) in DeKalb.
PARKING: Parking for the event will be available at nearby DeKalb High School (501 W. Dresser Rd.) & Katz Park (393 W. Dresser Rd).
EVENTS: 1 Mile (8:30 AM start time) & 5K (9:00 start time)
COST: The adult registration fee for either distance is $40 through July 28th. The registration fee for the Kids’ 1 Mile course is $25. Registration for both events will remain open through the races’ start times, however, a $5 late entry fee will apply to all adult registrations submitted after July 28th.
REGISTRATION INFO: Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in this flat, paved, stroller-friendly, chip-timed course. Participants may register online (at https://raceroster.com/events/2024/87129/2024-dekalb-aruna-run) or in-person at Christ Community Church during packet pick-up hours.
PACKET PICK-UP: Packet pick-up will be held on Thursday, August 1st and Friday, August 2nd from 5 PM-7PM, as well as race day, starting at 7 AM. 100% of all registration fees and additional donations go directly to freeing and supporting victims of human trafficking.
RACE SWAG: All racers will receive a T-shirt & high-quality, survivor-crafted Aruna backpack.
POST-RACE FUN:
The fun run also features a number of post-race activities including a local DJ, bouncy house, toddler trot, giant slip ‘n’ slide, henna tattoos, 30/30/40 raffle, Aruna Store, Candle Fundraiser, “Best of” awards, and much more! Battle Axe Coffee will be on-site and will donate 10% of all sales for the day to the Aruna Project.
2024 JUDGING PANEL:
Guests of honor & members of the 2024 judging panel include: the Honorable Judge Thomas Doherty; Holistic Care Program Director for the Aruna Project, Nancy Bartolec; Community Outreach Coordinator at Naomi’s House, Rebecca Zeller; Director of Operations for Safe Passage, Becky Versluys; & former Rescue Home Supervisor for Project Rescue, Bethany Arnes.
JUDGES AWARDS: The judging panel will select recipients for the following awards: Most Drip, Best-Decorated Stroller, Best Individual Costume, Best Team Theme, Best Move, & Most Enthusiastic Supporter.
RACE AWARDS: Awards will be given to the oldest, youngest, and slowest finishers of the 5K race, as well as 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers in age and gender categories.
QUESTIONS: Questions about this event, including volunteer opportunities, team formation, and non-profit partnership opportunities, should be directed to Jake or Amy Waddle, 2024 Race Hosts, via e-mail (dekalbarunarun@gmail.com) or by phone (815-501-3276).
ADDITIONAL FUNDRAISERS FOR THIS CAUSE:
1 – Shine a light in the darkness by lighting a candle in honor of victims. Candle orders, featuring the names of the courageous survivors The Aruna Project has helped are featured on the candle labels. For more information about the 2024 Aruna Inluro Candle Fundraiser, visit https://www.inluro.com/collections/aruna-dekalb?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR11TUGwhULkcinseiingOcX1k6Mf17Rga1WfHTrJw37-hWWkeO5wU24xk8_aem_iHsD932P_Kmy9WTHrvsPAw or visit the DeKalb Aruna Run Facebook page.
2 – Open Door Coffee in Genoa will also be donating 10% of their sales on July 26th, 27th & 28th to the Aruna project. Treat yourself while supporting a good cause!
VOLUNTEER – Volunteers are needed. To register, visit https://raceroster.com/events/2024/87129/2024-dekalb-aruna-run.
