Race Preview: Race Against Child Abuse on April 30th

Lace up for an important cause on Saturday, April 30^th with the Race Against Child Abuse in St. Helens. This run offers a Half Marathon, 10K, 5K and 1-mile family walk and all of the proceeds go directly to the Amani Center so every registered runner is helping fight child abuse. The Amani Center is a non-profit organization created to assist Columbia County kids affected by abuse. Their mission is to ‘minimize trauma to child abuse victims through professional medical diagnosis and treatment in a secure and child-friendly environment with the goal of preventing child abuse in all forms.’ The center treats children from birth through 18 years of age, all victims of sexual, physical or mental abuse. These kids have been neglected and/or abused, but this event is the perfect opportunity to remind them that people care and to never lose hope.

In its 8^th year, Race Against Child Abuse is asking for participants to consider collecting donations or finding sponsors to help fundraise. If that’s not your thing, simply registering and showing up race day is enough. The Half Marathon (8AM) is $55, the 10K (9AM) costs $45, the 5K (9:15AM) is $35 and the 1-Mile Family Walk (9:30AM) is $25. There is a minor processing fee attached to each registration and make sure to sign up before April 29^th to guarantee a spot. Medals will be awarded to all Half Marathon finishers and all children 13 and under will receive a participant ribbon.

The race starts and finishes across from City Hall (275 Strand Street) in St. Helens and will be chip timed by Uberthons. The Half Marathon course is on asphalt or hard-packed gravel and will include four aid stations stocked with gummy bears, fruit and water. It’s an out an back through back roads of St. Helens with almost 2,200 feet of elevation gain, including a climb up Smith Road. This course promises a challenge and will remain open for 3.5 hours.

The 10K is an out and back along downtown St. Helens and into Columbia City and promises some hills as well. The 5K course is mostly flat with a few gentle rollers. Also an out an back, it takes you through the t-ball park and past the middle school. The 1-Mile Family Walk course is geared for the whole family, so bring along the strollers and wagons and walk around historic Old Town. The Race Against Child Abuse isn’t just another run, but an opportunity to actually make a difference. Donations are happily accepted. Be a part of the solution and help remind these kids there’s hope.

Race Against Child Abuse 

Saturday, April 30th 

275 Strand Street, St. Helens

Half Marathon 9AM

5K 9:15AM

1-Mile Family Walk 9:30AM