With the 5K about to begin, the highest fundraiser that day stepped behind the starting line and prepared to run. On her prosthetic leg, she’d placed a bright pink strip of duct tape bearing the name of a woman still trapped in slavery. Growing up in an Indian orphanage before being adopted by an American family, the runner had been cared for and protected as a child. “Now, I understand why they wouldn’t let me go out at night,” she told the race hosts and added that she was running to raise awareness and funds to help women leave forced prostitution.

Calling all runners, walkers and adventure seekers out there: Choose from a number of 5Ks, marathons, and sports activities raising awareness and funds to end human trafficking and modern slavery. Lace up your running or hiking shoes, and get ready to run, walk, climb or bike for freedom!

Runs / Walks

Worldwide and National Races

The A21 Campaign - Worldwide
The annual Walk for Freedom event hosted by A21 Campaign is on October 17, 2015. There are locations all around the world! Find one near you, or sign up to host.

Aruna Project - National
By running in an Aruna race, you are raising awareness and funds to help women leave sexual slavery. You are also providing a market to the women working in the Aruna production unit who make all the t-shirts and bags for the races. Just by running, you can raise awareness and provide employment! Find a race near you, or become a host!

Local Races

Check with your local organization to find races near you! The ones below are a few we know about.

Run Against Trafficking - Mesa, Arizona

Break Free Runs - California
Run or walk a 5K or 10K in multiple events located throughout California. They raise awareness and funds for anti-human trafficking work that goes to education, awareness, prevention and restoration programs. Find an event in California.

Race for Freedom - Wichita, Kansas

March for Freedom - Columbus, Ohio

Free Them 5K - Shoreline, Washington

Hope Run Kenosha- Kenosha, Wisconsin

Climb

Those part of Climb for Captives are climbing mountains to raise awareness. These women climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to raise money for anti-trafficking efforts. Get your climbing friends together, pick a mountain and get training!

Biking

Tour Against Trafficking - Central California
Groups of bicyclists will ride 750 miles over 18 days throughout Central California. This tour is happening now, but be on the lookout for a 2016 tour!

OK 200 - Iowa
Challenge yourself with a one day, 200 mile bike ride and run going from West Des Moines, IA to Okoboji, IA.

Pedal Against Human Trafficking - Seattle, Washington

Ride 26 miles along the beautiful South Lake Washington loop, or take a 14 mile lakeside ride.

Do Your Own

Do what you love to do best and raise awareness for your favorite organization. One couple is walking across the entire United States to raise awareness for beach erosion. This woman is attempting the longest triathlon that goes through major trafficking routes. If you have always wanted to do something adventurous but haven't found the motivation, do it to raise awareness for your favorite anti-trafficking organization!

Topics: Awareness