Annual 5K Run/Walk In Framingham To Break the Silence

FRAMINGHAM, MA—Voices Against Violence (VAV), the domestic violence and rape crisis center serving 14 communities in the greater Framingham and Marlborough areas of Metro West, is hosting its seventh annual Purple Passion 5K Run/Walk to Break the Silence fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 22, in support of the organization’s mission to end sexual and domestic violence.

This annual fundraiser features a 5K timed and casual race and a 3K walk that kicks off and ends at the South Middlesex Opportunity Council’s (SMOC) parking lot, 7 Bishop Street in Framingham. There is a $30 registration fee for all timed runners and a $20 registration fee for casual runners and walkers. Children under 10 can participate for free.

Check-in and day-of-race registration will begin at 7 am at SMOC headquarters. The timed run will begin promptly at 8 am, immediately followed by casual runners and walkers. There will be light refreshments and activities for children before and after the race and walk. The first 200 registrants will receive a free Purple Passion tee shirt featuring the 2018 event logo and sponsor list. Parking is free in the rear lot at 7 Bishop Street.

Official event medals will be awarded to the top finishers in each age category.

Congresswoman Katherine Clark will once again serve as honorary chair of the event. “Every day Voices Against Violence provides support and stability to children and families in the Metro West who are facing the trauma of domestic violence and abuse,” Congresswoman Clark said. “The Purple Passion run is an important opportunity for us to unite together as a community and demand an end to intimate partner violence.”

Framingham Mayor Yvonne Spicer welcomes participants to the annual event, along with State Representative Jack Lewis.

Voices Against Violence, a program of the South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) serves more than 5,600 people each year through their direct services for victims and prevention programs.

Patricia Hohl, director of Voices Against Violence, noted in a statement that, “For over 40 years, Voices Against Violence has been serving victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in MetroWest communities. Yet just in this past year, the #MeToo movement has doubled the number of hotline calls we’ve received. The theme of our Purple Passion 5K is now more appropriate than ever – breaking the silence around sexual and domestic violence. Everyone who comes to run or walk or volunteer is helping to do just that.”

Event participants are encouraged to form teams and to ask their friends, family members and co-workers to support their participation by making a donation to their fundraising page so that Voices Against Violence can meet its fundraising goal.

For more information and to register for the 7th annual Purple Passion 5K Run/ Walk to Break the Silence, go here.

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