BY TIMOTHY LAROCHE
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CLAREMONT — While the streets near Claremont Middle School are usually quiet when school is out of session, a local organization wants to fill them with the sound of footsteps.
In a day, representatives from Turning Points Network, a Claremont-based nonprofit that aims to reduce sexual and domestic violence, will host the Steppin’ Up to End Violence 5k. The annual event raises money to support the organization’s emergency shelter, peer counselling services and 24-hour crisis hotline. The organization also provides support services to victims of sexual violence and their families during criminal investigations.
“It’s so important to us and important to the people we work with,” AmeriCorps VISTA Remy Cusick said of the race.
There are no entry fees for the race, but teams and individuals taking part are encouraged to raise money for the event. Race organizers say they hope to raise at least $100,000 from the race this year. Last year, participants raised more than $98,000 – representing 14 percent of the organization’s total operating budget.
Already, Cusick said that more than 80 teams have signed up for the event this year. She said she also expects the event to exceed totals from previous years.
“It is the signature fundraising event for TPN,” the organization’s website states. “Every year it grows and expands, due mainly to the incredible individuals and teams ‘steppin’ up’ to walk, stroll, jog or run to end violence in their communities.”
The route covers 5 kilometers – roughly 3.1 miles – of gently rolling hills starting and ending at the middle school. A shorter route is also available for participants, allowing walkers or runners to cut across Broad Street Park to nearly halve the distance.
“Although Steppin’ Up is not a competitive run, there is a large display clock for self-timing and there will be prizes for the top finishing runners,” the organization’s website states.
Sign-in and last minute registrations begin Saturday at 8:30 a.m. in front of the school, with the gun scheduled to go off around 10 a.m. Parking is available at the Arrowhead Recreation Area parking lot nearby.
Refreshments and a post-race rally will be available following the race.
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