Nola Sizemore
Staff Writer
Running against rage, Harlan and Bell county residents ran five miles in an annual event hosted by the Harlan County Domestic Violence Council on Saturday. A large crowd watched as each runner was awarded T-shirts, door prizes and refreshments.
“This is the fifth year we’ve sponsored this event,” said Harlan County Victim Advocate Sheryl Caudel. “We do this not just to raise money, but to raise awareness. Domestic violence is so common and we want people to become more aware of the options available to them. The more awareness we have the better chance we have of stopping domestic violence. In the last year, the number of crisis calls, people going into domestic violence shelters and the number of Emergency Protection Orders (EPO) have increased. It could be because there is more awareness with women knowing there is help, but I think the state of the economy is a factor with people falling under different stresses and things get ugly. It’s on the rise, so we’ve got to become more aware of it. Not just one or two but the whole community. When the community begins to hold people accountable — not tolerate domestic violence, that’s when we’ll make progress.”
First place overall winner in the 5K race was Ben Jones with a time of 18 minutes and 42 seconds. In the Male 14-18 Division, first place was Ben Jones, second place Corey Burns and third place Johanan Woodring. In the Female 14-18 Division, first place was Breezy Epperson and second place Cassidy Ball. In the Female 25-29 Division, first place Maria Dean and in the Female 30-34 Division first place went to Elaine Ison. In the Female 35-39 Division first place was awarded to Tara Bryson and in the Male 40-44 Division Chris Woodring took first place. In the Male 70 plus Division Jim Woodring took first place.
In the Fastest Kid in Town event, first place overall went to Tessa Bryson. In the Female Division first place was awarded to Tessa Bryson, second place to Addison Jackson and third place to Meg Brock. In the Male Division first place was awarded to Caiden Jackson.
All proceeds from these events will be used for emergency services for victims in Harlan County. These services include not only shelter, but things such as rent deposits, food, clothing, whatever a victim might need to get on her own.
Anyone wishing to make a donation may do so by mail to Harlan County Domestic Violence, P.O. 1672, Harlan, KY 40831, call (606) 392-1129 or email harlandvc@gmail.com. You may visit their website at hcdvc.org.
Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510 or at nsizemore@heartlandpublications.com
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