5K/10K Race for Survivors set for Lewiston Aug. 5

5K/10K Race for Survivors runners during the 2022 race are, from left, Nicole Elie of Turner, Brandon Keith-Williams of Lisbon Falls and Mica Thompson of Pownal. Submitted photo

LEWISTON — Safe Voices plans to hold its annual 5K/10K Race for Survivors on Saturday, Aug. 5.

The race will once again be held at Bates College, and runners and walkers will raise money for Safe Voices work as well as awareness about the issues of domestic abuse and sex trafficking in Maine.

Participants can register as a runner, walker or wheelchair user for either the 5K or 10K distances. Once registered, participants can raise money by collecting pledge donations for their walk/run/wheel efforts.

Safe Voices has a 2023 goal of raising $26,000, and all money raised will fund vital services to survivors of domestic abuse and violence, sex trafficking and sexual exploitation in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties, according to a news release from Grace Kendall, director of development and engagement with Safe Voices.

This is a family friendly event, and this year’s activities will include prizes and raffles, a kids’ fun run, face painting and lawn games after the race, and refreshments like ice cream from Cool Treats for Charity. Strollers and well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome.

Sponsors include Pediatric Associates, Franklin Savings Bank, Maine Source Realty, Dirigo Federal Credit Union, The Computer Place, and Brann & Isaacson, as well as event sponsors Bedard Pharmacy, Oxford Federal Credit Union, University Credit Union, Pat’s Pizza, Champoux Insurance Group, and the Law Offices of Aubrey Russell.

Race sponsorship opportunities are still available. Those interested in becoming a sponsor, or for more information about the race, can contact Emily Mitchell, development operations coordinator, at 207-795-6744 ex. 222 or emitchell@safevoices.org.

Race registration is open until race day. To register, visit runsignup.com.