On April 29, S.H.A.R.E. House Douglas will host their annual Mad Hatters & Munchkins 5K and Fun Run at Boundary Waters Park located at 5000 Highway 92/166. What started as a small walk around the courthouse grew into something bigger. “We’ve had lots of consistent growth. Over the last four years, we’ve averaged about 200 runners,” said Amy O’Shields, co-chair of the race.
Celebrating its tenth year, the race hopes to raise awareness about domestic violence, in addition to raising funds for S.H.A.R.E. House Douglas. The local non-profit provides resources and care for people in the community directly impacted by domestic violence.
“I want it to be a day of fun for parents and young teens,” explained O’Shields. “I also want them to know that it’s okay to come forward. We have resources—including a 24-hour crisis line—that everybody has access to 24/7.”
According to a 2011 nationwide survey by the CDC, 1 in 4 men and more than one-third of women in the U.S. have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner at some point in their lifetime.
Interested participants can register online at www.active.com. Pre-registration for the race from now until April 15 is $25. From April 16 up to race day, registration is $30. The cost for students is $15. In a surprising move, the age limit for students has been extended—up to 24 years old.
“It’s an effort to help more college students participate, because we know college students are on a budget,” said O’Shields.
The 1-mile Fun Run begins at 8:30 a.m. followed by the 5K race at 9 a.m. Awards for the 5k will be given out to the top-3 male and female runners in each age division, in addition to the top male and female overall. Ribbons will be awarded to all Fun Run participants and prizes will be awarded for the silliest hat and socks.
