Stop the violence 5K starts, ends at Capitol

The Victory Over Violence MLK 5K begins at 8 a.m. Saturday in front of the state Capitol, 500 Woodlane St.

The footrace is for walkers, runners and their families who want to raise awareness about the cost and consequences of homicide and other violence while supporting nonprofits that work to end it.

Race director Bill Torrey says that, as in the past, the course begins in front of the Capitol and runs south on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive before doubling back to the Capitol.

Awards will go to the fastest male and female runners overall, the fastest masters runners overall, and three-deep in fiveyear age divisions.

A 1 Mile Kids Run for children age 12 and younger will follow the 5K. A spectator-pleasing Media Mile is also planned, but Torrey did not have celebrity racers’ names. KARK and KLRT are sponsors.

The 5K costs $25 and the kids run is $10. Children 5 years old and younger can run for free, but must register. Registration includes a shirt.

Register in person or pick up your packet Friday at Rock City Running, 10300 N. Rodney Parham Road in Little Rock.

Race-day registration will cost an extra $5 and will be accepted near the starting line beginning at 6 a.m.

Online registration is available through midnight Thursday using a link at Exodus.life and adds $1.25 ($1 for the kids run).

Proceeds will benefit The Exodus Project, which has programs to help released prisoners rejoin society; Derek Oliver Research Institute, which aims to reduce violence through research and education; and Muskie Harris Rehab Services, which offers drug and alcohol recovery programs.

More information is at Exodus.life. Torrey will answer questions about the race at (501) 231-3730.