The 10th annual “Just Us for Justice” Run is scheduled for 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday (July 19) in Carson Park.
This year’s event is under the direction of Fierce Freedom, an Eau Claire nonprofit organization that combats human trafficking. The theme for the 2017 race is “Do It Justice,” according to a press release from Fierce Freedom.
The” Just Us for Justice” Run will consist of three separate races: a half mile kids race, and adult races of two and five miles. The kids’ race and the two-mile race will follow the same Carson Park routes as in previous years.
The five-mile race route will have slight changes because of construction to the Grand Avenue entrance to the park. The exact route may be found here by clicking on “The Run” tab.
The “Just Us for Justice” races are planned as a family event with music, kids’ games and food for purchase from local businesses Summer Snow and The French Press. For the first time, individual participants this year can collect donations from sponsors.
Jodi Emerson, Fierce Freedom’s director of public policy and community relations, said that the race “is an important event for Fierce Freedom and the Chippewa Valley each year because it is a perfect example of how we all can make small changes in our life to fight a great injustice in the world today.
“Every year we have nearly 1,000 people involved in the Just Us for Justice race and they all play a vital role in raising the level of discussion in our towns about human trafficking,” she added.
Online registration for the race is available here. Fierce Freedom will collect donations in place of race registration fees. Suggested donation levels are $20 for the kids’ race, $28 for individuals in the adult races or $75 for a family of four or more.
A pasta dinner was held on Sunday evening in connection with the race and provided additional income. All proceeds from the race will remain local, to expand Fierce Freedom’s work.
Human trafficking is the fastest-growing crime in the world and affects about 46 million people according to Fierce Freedom. In the United States, officials estimate 300,000 children each year are sexually exploited, with an average age of 12 for entry into human trafficking.
Questions or comments about the race can be directed to Emerson at 715-514-2890 or via email to Jodi@fiercefreedom.org.