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Race to the Heights 1
Participation in the Race to the Heights 5K supports the fight against human trafficking.
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Runners take in a scenic view at the 2012 Race to the Heights 5K hosted by Church of the Highlands.
Saturday, Nov. 23, 8 a.m.
Church of the Highlands, Grants Mill Campus
Register at active.com
An estimated 27 million people are held in bondage across the world today, according to the A21 Campaign. This month, local residents will have the opportunity to support an anti-trafficking campaign and work toward ending injustice worldwide.
On Saturday, Nov. 23, Church of the Highlands will host the annual Race to the Heights 5K at the Grants Mill Campus. The race offers two courses, an advanced scenic trail and a road course that is stroller and pet friendly. Prizes will be awarded for overall winners and winners of each age group. Preregistration is $30 on or before November 16 and $35 on race day.
The event benefits the A21 Campaign, an organization that prevents trafficking, through the IMPACT United Appeal Fund.
“Human trafficking is a terrible industry that exists in today’s world and is devastating to those directly and indirectly involved,” said Lauren Globe, a Church of the Highlands small group co-leader.
The A21 campaign actively works to stop the illegal trading of human beings through prevention, protection, community education and partnership in six different countries. Money for the campaign goes toward educating potential victims of human trafficking in orphanages and schools, building shelters and transition homes for victims, strengthening the legal response to human trafficking and partnering with law enforcement and service providers to meet needs of those rescued from bondage.
In addition to the 5K race, Church of the Highlands hosts a weekly small group called “Human Trafficking: Be the Solution!” where attendees can learn facts, statistics and tips on how to get involved to prevent trafficking. Globe said more than 10,000 women and children are trafficked through Birmingham each year.
“Our small group exists to educate people about human trafficking so they are equipped and empowered to make an impact against human trafficking by taking action through awareness and prevention efforts,” Globe said.
For more information on the A21 campaign, visit thea21campaign.org. To register for the race, visit active.com and search “Race to the Heights 5K.”
