April is both Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month; and both important causes are being supported with races during the entire month. The Courage Day 5K and the Fairfax Run for Children 5K/3K are local races that can be run virtually which means no matter where you live, you can register and run on your favorite street, trail, or treadmill. If your heart’s desire is to finally run a real, live in-person race, the Courage Day 5K is open to the first 250 people who choose the live option at registration.
Courage Day 5K
The Courage Closet was founded by my friend Liz Sands who was kidnapped and raped on April 17, 1999. Her desire to help and educate others led to the creation of The Courage Closet, a non-profit organization providing support for sexual assault and abuse survivors. The Courage Day 5K was organized to raise money to support victims of sexual assault and domestic violence with 100% of net proceeds going directly to the cause.
Live 5K option:
- • When: April 17th at 9 AM
- • Where: Franklin Park, 17501 Franklin Park Drive, Purcellville, VA
- • Course: Trail, but not technical
- • Registration fee: $35 through April 15th at 8 PM, $40 during packet pickup and race day
- • Discount code: 21DEBRUNS5 for $5 off
- • Online registration: Click here
Virtual 5K option:
- • When: Entire month of April
- • Where: Anywhere
- • Course: Your choice
- • Registration fee: $35 through April 15th at 8 PM
- • Discount code: 21DEBRUNS5 for $5 off
- • Online registration: Click here
Virtual 11th Annual Fairfax Run for the Children 5K/3K
Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocates, Inc (CASA) is a nonprofit agency committed to advocating for abused and neglected children who are involved in the court process due to concerns for their safety and well-being. Proceeds from the Fairfax Run for the Children 5K/3K help support training volunteers who help the community’s most vulnerable children thrive in safe and loving homes.
Virtual Adult 5K Race and 3K Run/Walk:
- • When: Entire month of April
- • Where: Anywhere
- • Who: Adult 18 years and older
- • Course: Your choice
- • Registration fee: $30 through April 30th
- • Online Registration: Click here
Virtual Youth 5K Race and 3K Run/Walk:
- • When: Entire month of April
- • Where: Anywhere
- • Who: Youth 17 years and younger
- • Course: Your choice
- • Registration fee: $15 through April 30th
- • Online Registration: Click here
Two Races, Lots of Options
Whether you’re ready to race a 5K in person or feel more comfortable running those 3.1 miles alone in your own neighborhood, or you’re not up to racing and prefer a 3K run/walk, you’ll find the perfect option. With both races having the option to run virtually, sign up for both no matter where you live and run them on your own time, you’ll be helping two great causes!
Questions:
- • When did you run your last in-person race?
- • How many virtual races have you run during the pandemic?
- • Had you ever heard of a virtual race prior to late March 2020?
I ran an in person race last weekend. I have run several virtual ones in the beginning but fewer now. I am glad that races are happening but that there’s a virtual option for those who still feel uncomfortable with racing.
Are you running either of these races in your post?
Yes, I should have mentioned that I’m running in the live race. It will be my first live race since Thanksgiving 2019!
I did run a bunch of virtual runs and I like that they support charities that may not be taking in as much as they normally do. I don’t see me doing a real race until fall.
Yes, I signed up for the virtual races for two reasons: to support the race’s charity and to support the race organizers.