Inaugural Race to Equality races to Equality for All
July 1, 2020
Making a difference and united for change
Portland, OR The Inaugural Race to Equality – 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon Walk/Run is a virtual event with a mission to do something tangible, positive and impactful. Although walkers and runners won’t be together physically, they will be together in spirit as they raise awareness for racial inequality and raise funds for scholarships to local young adults of color.
For those looking to do something to make a difference, you can feel good knowing that $10 from each registration will go to Portland Chapter of Links – a non-profit, local organization who provide scholarships to Vancouver and Portland youth of color. Brianna McMillan, volunteer director for Why Racing Events, 19 years old and in her first year of university was personally impacted by the organization and was moved to pay it forward. “A scholarship could be life-changing for someone who perhaps couldn’t afford to go to university. Education is the key to opportunity, and I feel really good about this organization and what they do for African American youth right here in our community. I’ve been going to protests and I was inspired and wanted to do something tangible. We will actually be able to see the students who are awarded scholarships because of our efforts. It always feels good when you can see how your donations are being used.”
Athletes will receive an official Race to Equality tech finishers’ shirt, big medal bling, an awesome BUFF (which can be used as a mask), and a SWAG bag full of goodies from sponsors. “There is so much division in our country right now and we wanted to do something positive…and we felt no one can argue against an initiative that promotes equality for all and educational scholarships to give a hand-up to those who may be disadvantaged. Plus it’s something healthy for our community to do for themselves too so it’s a win:win” says McMillan.
Athletes are encouraged to set up a fundraising page to boost donations. McMillan states “The goal for the event is to inspire 1000 people to participate and raise $10,000 plus the additional peer-to-peer fundraising can really add up to a very big donation!”
WHAT: Virtual Race to Equality 5K, 10K or Half Marathon – Distances are completed on your own by July 26th You can do it from home, on a treadmill, a local trail, or your favorite running route. You send in photos, videos and results and you receive a medal, bib, finishing shirt, buff and bag full of goodies. If you are not local, all items will be shipped to you.
WHEN: By Sunday July 26th, 2020
WHO: YOU! Anyone from anywhere can do this event since it is virtual. Please share with all your friends and family near and far who are also passionate about equality for all.
WHERE: Your favorite location
HOW: Here is the website link for registration and more details:
https://raceroster.com/events/2020/32551/race-to-equality-virtual-2020
WHY? It’s clear that so much progress has been made over the last years and decades…We just had a black president, the most powerful position in the world and that is a clear example that we are moving in the right direction. With that said, racism exists…We’ve all either seen it, heard it, or experienced it. Some racism is blatant and in your face and much of it, is under the radar and subtle repression that makes it more difficult for people of color…it’s not a level playing field and we would love for us to continue moving forward together. So that’s it…deep issues and at Why racing, we’re going to do our part in a very simple way that points us in the right direction.
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About Why Racing Events:
Why Racing Events is a multi-sport event management organization that offers athletes of all ages and abilities, from the elite level to the back-of-the-packers, the chance to successfully complete a racing event. They host a series of 12 events every year from March to October throughout Washington and Oregon, including children’s races, fun runs, trail runs, half marathons, marathons, duathlons and triathlons. Their races vary in size from 1000 to 5000 participants. They are committed to providing a positive experience to everyone involved while raising awareness and funds for important community causes. Find out more information about Why Racing Events at www.whyracingevents.com
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Contact Information
Brianna McMillan
brianna@whyracingevents.com
360.798.1964 (cell phone)