Millburn High School Students Organize 5K Against Sexual Violence

MILLBURN, NJ — They wanted to make a difference in their community. And that’s why three Millburn high school students helped to start a 5K race to help raise awareness about sexual violence.

According to a news release from Millburn High School students Annika Sharma, Sydney Clawans, and Hannah Levinson:

“As the Helping Hands Club, we wanted to make a difference in our community. So many women are subject to sexual abuse everyday, so it's up to us to do something about it. After researching sexual abuse through our Action Research project in 2017, we decided to take action by creating an annual 5K in the South Mountain Recreation Complex Waterfront. Many of us are on the Millburn High School Cross Country and Track Team, so we decided to combine our passion for running with or passion for making a difference in our community and in our world.

“This 2nd annual 5K will be supporting the organization, RAINN, which helps victims of abuse and domestic violence across the nation. By participating in the run, not only are you moving toward a healthier lifestyle, but you are helping someone get out of their heartbreaking situation.

“Last year, RAINN’s victim services programs helped a record 209,480 survivors and their loved ones. As #MeToo has spread, the number of people reaching out for help has continued to increase. In the first quarter of 2018, RAINN’s programs helped 46% more people than in the prior year. We raised $4,000 through our 5K for RAINN last year.

“This is going to be a fun run. Bring your friends and family for a great time. There will be a kids run (1/2 - 1 mile), an ice cream truck, a DJ, raffles, and activities! The Girl Talk Millburn Chapter will organize a bake sale to support our fundraising. Thank you for supporting this cause, and we hope to see you running for RAINN this May.”

The fun run is scheduled to take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 6 at the South Mountain Recreation Complex Waterfront on Cherry Lane in West Orange. (Learn more here)

• To register login to- www.tinyurl.com/signuprainn
• For race information visit- www.tinyurl.com/runrainn

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Photo courtesy Annika Sharma, Sydney Clawans, and Hannah Levinson

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