One in Five 5K will be a virtual race this year

SKOWHEGAN — When it became apparent that the COVID-19 virus was going to force the Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center to cancel or postpone its ninth annual One in Five 5K, the small nonprofit, serving Kennebec and Somerset counties, became very concerned.
As the organization’s second-largest annual fundraiser/awareness event, the success of the 5K is crucial, and the onset of coronavirus concerns was about to cause the group to abandon months of planning. Disbelief quickly turned into creativity, and with overwhelming encouragement from its supporters, organizers decided to turn this year’s One in Five 5K into a virtual race.
The center’s patrons had been urging the organizers to forge ahead with the fundraiser, where participants can practice social distancing and still have a race.
The 5K can be completed from your home, backyard, street, treadmill, etc., and at a time that works for you. The event will be open for completing a walk/run from noon Sunday, April 26, until noon Sunday, May 10.
The center would love for participants to post pictures on social media platforms and explain why they are choosing to run; post pictures of entrants participating and tagging Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center; or send photos directly to the center to be shared on social media and web sites, so that everyone can see the many volunteers making a difference.
Organizers believe now is the right time to let the community know and show survivors, the one in five people in Maine who are victims of Sexual Violence and Abuse, and those who love them that their friends and neighbors care. This is a time when community can come together during a crisis while staying safe and making a difference in the lives of those affected by sexual violence.
For more information go to www.runsignup.com/oneinfive5k or visit www.silentnomore.org
The Sexual Assault Crisis & Support Center’s mission is to lessen the trauma-related suffering of sexual assault and promote healing by guiding those affected by sexual violence toward survival through support, advocacy, education and community collaboration.

PHOTO: The “Hands of Courage” artwork from children receiving services through the Children’s Advocacy Center, where they are given the opportunity to put their hand in the paint color of their choice and add their own print to the wall, indicating their own courage and strength. (Submitted photo)