CAPSA prepares for 5K run fundraiser

Citizens Against Physical and Sexual Abuse is predicting an increase of involvement in this year’s annual “Take Back the Night” 5K run and one mile walk.

The event will take place May 1 to bring awareness to sexual assault month and the problem of sexual assault in the community. Both events will start at the Logan Aquatic Center at 7 p.m.

The organization aims to raise $10,000 to support CAPSA programs and services to those impacted by sexual assault and domestic violence. According to the CAPSA website, the organization has already raised about $1,380 from participants and $1,380 from sponsors.

There has already been a rise in sponsors and runner registration for this year’s event, according to the director of development James Boyd.

“Last year at this point we had about 20 runners signed up,” Boyd said. “Right now we have about 140 runners.”

Boyd said he credits the boost of involvement to the increase in marketing and advertising done this year.

“We’ve had great partners with the radio station and with local organizations letting us announce our event at their events,” Boyd said.

Stevens-Henager College, a main sponsor for the 5K, will hire a professional photographer to take pictures at the event and post them online for those in attendance.

“Me and my old track friends always try to get together and do races,” said Mike Rees, a previous Utah State University track runner. “I didn’t know about the CAPSA 5K until this year, so we’re pretty stoked there’s one so close to us coming up.”

Boyd said the participants running in this event are directly helping those in the community.

“The amount you’re paying for registration is covering about the cost of a night at the shelter,” Boyd said. “There’s a direct correlation between supporting this event and supporting friends, families and people in the community.”

To register or for more information on the event, visit www.capsa5k.org