Family violence is a serious and pervasive public health issue that impacts individuals and families of all cultures, religions and socio-economic backgrounds and now two Airdrie agencies are hoping to raise awareness and much-needed funds in an effort to put a stop to it. 

The Third Annual Legacy Run To End Family Violence is coming up in the city on April 14th.  Proceeds from the event will be donated to Community Links and Airdrie and District Victim's Assistance.

Laurie Jacobs-Toews, Manage of Community Development Services with Community Links says in 2018 sponsors and runners raised $9,500 that was divided equally between the two groups.  The cold weather during last year's race kept the numbers somewhat low, around 160 runners came out in cold and icy conditions.  This year they're hoping for 200 to 250 runners and have a goal to raise $10,000.  However, Jacobs-Toews says the race is more than just about raising funds.

"It's really important for us, not just from the financial perspective, but also just to keep raising that awareness and just to make sure that people are aware and know that there are supports in our community and to let people know that they can go for help if they are in a domestic violence relationship or if they know someone else who may be experiencing that kind of relationship, that there are supports, they can reach out and there are supports here that can help them out."

The run will include three races.  Airdrie's only half-marathon, a 10K and a 5K.  The 5K will once again be in memory of Andrea Conroy, an Airdrie woman who was killed in a domestic violence incident in 2012.  Jacobs-Toews explains that it's important to the race committee that Andrea's memory, and the memory of others who have died in similar circumstances, is kept alive.

"We have a friend of Andrea Conroy on our committee, just to help plan the event and just to make sure that Andrea's memory is captured in our event.  We usually do have a bit of a display for Andrea, at the event and at race package pickup.  We often have had someone from the family do some kind of honouring her, just a speech or something to remind us why were there because that's really the whole purpose of the event is to make sure people keep Andrea and others who have passed in similar circumstances front of mind.  Because that's really why we're all there."

This year the race organizers have made several improvements to the run including professional chip timing by Startline Timing who are the official timekeepers of the Calgary Marathon.  Jacobs-Toews says they're looking for sponsors for the run now.  Anyone interested in finding out about sponsorship can email legacyrun2endfv@gmail.com.  They're also in need of volunteers to help with the race.  

To register for the run or to get more information on volunteering to help, you'll find the link here.

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