Run This Town Hosting Kalamazoo’s First Juneteenth 5K
Juneteenth has always been one of the most special days of the year for those a part of the black culture and ethnicity as it signifies the true end of slavery as the last slaves in Texas heard of the news. The Emancipation Proclamation had started to set us free but didn't set the last of us free until June 19th of that year, marking that day as our official day of freedom. Many black people refer to Juneteenth as our independence day and have started not to celebrate July 4th in the same way.
Juneteenth was finally recognized as a federal holiday in 2021 and since then has taken off in terms of celebration. There have been several festivals, concerts, parties, picnics, and other events scheduled over the Juneteenth week/weekend to celebrate our existence as a culture in America. This year, Kalamazoo is continuing its celebration by adding to the lineup as Run This Town will be putting on a 5k Walk and Run.
Run This Town Kzoo provides a safe space for people from all walks to build community and promote healthy living through movement and camaraderie. The team is particularly grateful to a community partner and title sponsor, Family Health Center, who helped bring the vision of the Juneteenth 5K to life! The race will be on Monday, June 17th at Mayors Riverfront Park, packet pickup and late registration are from 5-6 pm, and the race begins promptly at 6:10 pm.
The Juneteenth Walk and Run will be a timed event where each participant will receive a bib and official finisher’s certificate attached to their results online. The first 75 registrants to sign up will receive a T-shirt, while the first 100 finishers will receive a medal as they cross the finish line. A DJ will be mixing awesome music and local organizations and businesses will be present before and after to enhance the celebration. Additional snacks and fun will be at the finish for all to enjoy!
Participants are encouraged to arrive early to ensure they are on the starting line on time. More information, registration, and volunteer opportunities are available at: https://www.trisignup.com/Race/MI/Kalamazoo/Juneteenth5KRTT