NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

Contact: Curtison Badonie, 505-243-9199 or [email protected]

Holding Space to Heal Communities and Honor Survivors of Domestic Violence at CSVANW’s 4^thAnnual #IWillRunForHer 5k

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – October 9, 2019 – Participants will dedicate their run, jog or walk to victims and survivors of domestic violence, the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women (CSVANW) will host its 4th Annual #IWillRunForHer 5k on Saturday, October 12^th, at the Southwest Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI).

The #IWillRunForHer 5k is held every October in conjunction with National Domestic Violence Awareness Month to promote healing and wellness through running, and to further raise awareness about domestic violence affecting tribal communities. This critical issue becomes more important as four in five of Native women have experienced violence in their lifetime, according to National Institute of Justice (NIJ).

“These are not just statistics. These are our mothers, sisters, and daughters,” says Angel Charley, CSVANW Interim Executive Director. “Our communities are experiencing an imbalance and spaces like #IWillRunForHer are needed to heal and honor the beauty of our communities’ resiliency.”

“Native Americans experience a significantly higher risk for domestic violence, and we must work collaboratively and effectively to enhance access to services and meet the needs of Native survivors,” said Indian Affairs Department Cabinet Secretary, Lynn Trujillo.

This year, CSVANW will host the first #IWillRunForHer Virtual Run through social media. The Virtual Run is for participants who cannot attend in person on the day of the event but can still dedicate their run, jog or walk to those affected by domestic violence in their families and communities. “We believe in access and inclusion, we want our communities to participate wherever they are,” Charley says. “The purpose of this virtual run is to stand in solidarity wherever you are” (click for more information and how to participate).

The #IWillRunForHer 5k will begin at 8 a.m. with check-in and onsite registration. The 5k run/walk will begin at 9 a.m., and the 1k kids run will start at 10 a.m. at SIPI’s sports and track field (click for more information).

Lynn Trujillo, Indian Affairs Department Cabinet Secretary, and Ryan Martin, a twenty year US Navy veteran and the founder of Nashashi Strength and Conditioning, will be guest speakers. The first 200 adult and 50 kid finishers will receive a #IWillRunForHer Coalition race shirt and the top runners will receive medals. More than 300 runners are expected.

For more information about #IWillRunForHer or about the Coalition, go to www.csvanw.org.

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