Run For Justice 5K Promotes Inclusion, Equality

Culture
By Caroline Bell
Members of Latinos Run pose for a picture.

The fourth annual Run for Justice 5K kicks off on July 17. This year, Black Men Run and Latinos Run are teaming up to further their missions to increase health, wellness and fitness in BIPOC communities and raise awareness around social justice issues. All runners and walkers are encouraged to join to show solidarity with their BIPOC communities.

A man runs in a Run for Justice tank top

“Run for Justice means equality, equity, and inclusion in running. We know that running is a tool to create change, especially in communities of color. The community we bring together can echo through generations and can inspire more people to start running,” says Maria Solis Belizaire, founder of Latinos Run.

Latinos Run held the first Run for Justice 5K in 2018 as a response to Hurricane Maria and immigration issues. “We wanted to make a strong statement about the lack of response to hurricane victims as well as address systemic injustices that affect communities of color,” Belizaire says.

For the 2020 Run for Justice, Latinos Run teamed up with Black Men Run after the killing of Ahmaud Arbery.

“The Run for Justice 5K event is important because not only are we building community, but we’re using our feet to let our voices be heard and advocate for justice for all,” explains Rafael Ortiz, National Co-Caption of Black Men Run.

“Black Men Run is more than just a running club. We are a social network of influence that positively impacts communities and culture. Run For Justice is one of the ways we do that. It’s an honor to join forces with runners of all cultures and stand in unity for a great cause.”

How to Participate

Event organizers chose to make this year’s event available to both virtual and in-person participants.

Virtual races were popular in 2020, as they were the only safe option during the height of the pandemic. Many runners are motivated by the virtual format and enjoy the flexibility of choosing their own course and running on their own schedules.

Runners can participate in the virtual Run for Justice by signing up here. Virtual registration offers vary. Runners can choose from a free registration, which includes a downloadable bib, all the way up to a $45 registration, which includes a bib, a medal and a sublimated shirt or tank.

Register Here
A group of runners smile as they run together.

For those who prefer the energy and community of an in-person event, there’s the option to run with participating Fleet Feet locations. The details will vary from store to store, but all in-person events will feature a 5K fun run. Latinos Run and Black Men Run will also be hosting in-person events throughout the country. You can find a list of in-person run locations here.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will go towards the ACLU and the Equal Justice Initiative. If you’d like to donate to the cause rather than participate in the run, you can do so here.

“We want to work to find ways to make running more accessible to everyone and change the way the running industry looks. Our goal for this event is to spread awareness on racial disparities that affect communities of color in healthcare, education, housing, the criminal justice system and even running,” Belizaire explains.




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