Known for its rainbows, unicorns and fluorescent tutus, Black Diamond Afterglow Night Run will join the fight to stop sexual and family violence.
In addition to participating in 16 Days of Activism – a global campaign led by UN Women – Afterglow will also raise money for Geelong-based The Sexual Assault & Family Violence Centre (The SAFV Centre), a frontline response, advocacy, prevention and early intervention organisation servicing Barwon (including Geelong and the Surf Coast) and Western Victoria.
The event, held on the Surf Coast, will encourage its 700-plus participants to get their fingernails painted in bright, flashy colours when they pick up their running bib in a fun effort to spark conversation. For every runner who gets their nails adorned in bright colours, organisers will donate $5 toward The SAFV Centre.
“Afterglow has been and always will be a fun, light-hearted running event,” race director Chris Ord said.
“But we also feel that the family-friendly atmosphere of Afterglow is an ideal, easy-approach forum in which we can spark conversations around respect and equality, and contribute to the actions to address the drivers of violence against women. The more we all discuss the issue, especially with our sons and daughters, the more collective understanding and hopefully behavioural change can be encouraged longer term.”
Organisers are also encouraging participants to set up their own MyCause fundraising page linked to the event and use their run at Afterglow to raise awareness and money via their personal networks.
“Women in particular all too often encounter threats of intimidation and violence while out running,” race co-director Peri Payne said.
“I know too well the anxieties and fears of running trails through parks and along quiet streets – especially at night – not knowing what is around the next corner.”
Afterglow is on Saturday December 7. See afterglowtrail.com.au for more information.
