The Purple Ribbon run is making a comeback this weekend.
The Family Crisis Center in Rexburg is putting on the racing event to help raise awareness for domestic violence in the Rexburg area.
“It’s been really good and really helpful for the community to come together for an important issue and do running which people enjoy, or walking,” said Ally Owens, an employee at the Family Crisis Center. “It’s a walk or a run, so even people who hate running can still come and walk.”
The Family Crisis Center helps survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse and stalking. The Center also has a food bank and thrift store to help out the community in general.
“It’s really just to support survivors through their healing process and any walks of life people come from can come and get help,” Owens said.
Owens says domestic violence is one of the top issues local law enforcement deal with.
“It’s actually a really big issue,” Owens said. “When my husband asked a police officer what kind of calls they get the most, it was actually domestic violence. We get a lot of students, as well as young married couples. It’s a very big issue in this area.”
Owens says victims in need of help should know they are not alone.
“Knowing there is support for you whether you’re ready for it now or in a few months, there are people who can understand and relate to you and support you through that process,” Owens said. “Don’t hesitate to come in, even if you don’t know if we can help you, we’ll always have our arms open to anybody who walks in our door.”
Owens says the Center encourages healthy dating habits to help combat domestic violence, such as meeting in a public place and avoiding some dating sites and apps.
The run will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18 at Rexburg’s Nature Park. It is free for all who attend, and there are 1 mile and 5K race options, where participants can choose to run or walk. All in attendance will get a ticket to be entered into a raffle, where multiple baskets of prizes will be given away. For more information, click here.