Saint Leo University’s Social Justice Committee is sponsoring the 2nd Saint Leo Run Toward Justice 5K to benefit local organizations that promote social justice initiatives throughout the community.
What It Is
The virtual 5K race will kick off on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 16, 2023). Participants may log their time for the 5K any day between January 16 and February 13, 2023. You can run, walk, or use any mobility assistance device to complete 3.1 miles.
All skill levels and abilities are welcome! Whether this is your first or 100th 5K, this race is for you.
Since this Run Toward Justice 5K is virtual, you can participate wherever you are located. Run or walk along a favorite trail, the beach, a neighborhood, or jump on a treadmill. On January 24th there will be an opportunity to walk at SLU beginning in front of SAB at 5:30 pm.
How to Train
This 5K promotes community rather than competition. Don’t stress! If you would like to prepare, there are many online resources to assist with training for a 5K. Here is a resource we recommend: The Best Training Plans for Your First 5K
Record Your Time
The goal is to complete 3.1 miles in one session, and participants will monitor their own completion time. You can use a watch or any time keeping/race tracking app on your phone.
Once you complete the race, send your race completion time to runtowardjustice@saintleo.edu.
Cost
- Registration is $30 through December 15th.
- Beginning December 16th, the registration fee is $35.
- Student registration fee is $10.
- Participants will receive a Saint Leo Run Toward Justice 5K T-shirt and a certificate of completion.
Proceeds Benefit
Registration fees from the 5K will go to the Lacoochee Elementary School.
Lacoochee Elementary School (LES) is a title 1 school on the north side of Dade City serving a diverse student population. The school is home to 300 students, approximately 70% Latino or African American, who come from low-income families, generational poverty, and approximately 95% qualify for free or reduced lunch. Many live in the small neighborhood of Lacoochee including Cypress Manor, a low-income government housing project located next to the school. This small knit school is known for creating community and going beyond classroom walls to mitigate family challenges. Many faculty, staff, and administrators personally contribute to the needs of their students and families. Supporting students so they can achieve academic success requires services that go beyond school funding in order to mitigate challenges that affect academic, health, social, parent engagement, and family literacy. LES has proven that their personal approach to supporting families with basic needs can make a difference in their academic success. Funds from the 2022 5K will go to LES to provide educational supplies and supplemental items for the students and their families. This includes providing for daily living necessities that enhance school experiences for the students and their families and lead to success in school. Registration fees also will help purchase hygiene and cleaning items as well as school supplies for LES teachers and students. Improve the education of these children and help end the cycle of poverty!
Register for Event
Register for the 2nd Annual Saint Leo Run Toward Justice 5K
For Information
Email Saint Leo’s Social Justice Committee at runtowardjustice@saintleo.edu.