Runners and Walkers to Raise Awareness and Funds

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Nicole Wright

Office: 405-951-3381, Cell: 405-826-0464

RUNNERS AND WALKERS TO RAISE AWARENESS AND FUNDS

DURING SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH

The YWCA’s 2 Minute 5K to be held April 20th

OKLAHOMA CITY (April 8, 2013) — The YWCA 2 Minute 5K and Kiddie K will be April 20th beginning at 8 a.m. at Stars and Stripes Park, 3701 South Lake Hefner Drive and North Portland Avenue. The 2 Minute 5K and Kiddie K is an annual run during Sexual Assault Awareness month and will raise awareness and funds for programs assisting victims in the Oklahoma City community and surrounding areas.

“The race’s title refers to the unacceptable fact that every 2 minutes someone in the United States is sexually assaulted,” said Janet L. Peery, CEO of the YWCA Oklahoma City. “The 2 Minute 5K and Kiddie K is an opportunity for our community to come together to learn and spread awareness about the serious issue of sexual assault in our country while participating in a fun event.”

Along with the 5K and Kiddie K, race day will include a community fair. With games, family-friendly activities, snacks and live music, the fair will be suitable for all ages. Local vendors will also be at the fair providing information, giveaways and supporting the fight against sexual assault.

After the race, participants will divide their racing minutes by two and this number will reflect how many people were potentially assaulted within the time it took them to run the 5K. With that number in mind, the runners will then hear the first hand story of a sexual assault survivor in our community and learn how they can further help raise awareness in their community.

All 2 Minute 5K and Kiddie K proceeds benefit the YWCA’s efforts to help victims of sexual assault, including the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) program, hospital advocacy and prevention education programs. The YWCA’s SANE program trains and coordinates volunteer nurses who meet sexual assault victims at the hospital and assist medical needs and perform a forensic exam to collect evidence. SANE also allows YWCA hospital volunteer advocates to provide emotional support and resources for victims during and after the exams.

Runners and walkers alike can register online at www.ywcaokc.org/2minute5k. Registration is $25 and participants can register as a team or individual and set up a personal fundraising webpage. Check in for the 2 Minute 5K begins at 8 a.m. on April 20 and the race will begin at 9:15 a.m.

About the YWCA

The YWCA Oklahoma City is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice and dignity for all. The YWCAOklahoma City is best known for being the only shelter for battered women and children in Oklahoma County. Nearly 3,000 women, childrenand men receive help through YWCA programs, includingemergency shelter for battered women and children, counseling, support groups, child care, transitional housing, financial literacy, batterer's intervention and other services. For more information on the YWCA Oklahoma City, visit www.ywcaokc.org.

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